Book Description
This comprehensive and vivid history of Laos is an ideal introduction for tourists, business travelers, and students. Informative and portable, it chronicles the history of Laos from ancient times, when the dynastic states of the region waxed and waned, to the turmoil of the Vietnam War and independence from France. This guide investigates these key events under a new light and presents serious challenges to the conventional views about Laos's intriguing history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive, insightful, culturally-sensitive
For a newcomer to Laos, Dr. Evans's volume would seem an excellent introduction to its history, politics and culture.For someone like myself, who had his own intense introduction to Laos in the late 60s and looks forward to a return, the book is an insightful refresher and update.It has helped me put my own experience in context and rethink the Laos I once thought I knew.This short history is thoughtful, well-written, and largely devoid of moral judgments.

The subtitle "The Land in Between" sums up an unfortunate reality -- for much of its history Laos has been caught between more powerful neighbors and sometimes their even more powerful patrons.But Evans does not stop with such a facile explanation of the Laos that has emerged.I particularly appreciate his continuing emphasis on the deep and enduring cultural roots of the peoples who inhabit Laos -- and the interplay among them.

With so many Western writers and readers still caught up in the battles that we fought in Laos in the 60s and 70s, Evans's book is a refreshing reminder that Laos merits attention -- indeed fascination -- in its own right. ... Read more

Book Description
Written nearly 2,500 years ago, this ancient text served as the basis for Chinese and other Eastern philosophies for generations, as well as for the I Ching. Meaning "the way that has to be followed," this version was translated in 2001 and is based on two scientific editions that were published in China at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as on the English translation rendered by the Buddhist Association in London. This version includes terms that are explained for and accessible to the modern reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easily one of the best books written
You will not find a story, or a romantic love scene - you will not find action or shoot 'em up adventures - but in the Tao Te Ching you will find the most important thing of all - Yourself.

This is my favorite version of the book and I order several a year to give as gifts. ... Read more