This guide to the literature of Asian history represents a first attempt to present in an integrated fashion all the major source materials, without distinction as to place or language of publication. Of the approximately 950 books and periodicals referred to, about two-thirds are in English, and about 140 are in Japanese. In addition to books and articles on historical and political subjects, the Bibliographyalso lists appropriate encyclopedias, yearbooks, biographical dictionaries, atlases, gazetteers, and sources of census and statistical information. The selection of references was made after an examination of contents or on the advice of specialists. The criteria for selection included the comprehensiveness of the work, the avoidance of overlap with other works cited, and the quality of the work itself. There is an obviously modern bias to this guide with its concentration on problems of concern to modern Asia rather than traditional Asia, but materials have not been limited to those of a strictly contemporary interest, and books with an early modern emphasis have also been included. The work encompasses materials published up to the end of 1968; extended editions of this guide will appear at regular intervals in the future, and to facilitate this, the text has been transcribed on computer tape. The countries and regions covered are: Asia generally; Southern Asia generally. Ceylon; India; Nepal; Pakistan. Southeast Asia generally; Burma; Thailand; Malaysia; the Philippines; Indochina generally; Vietnam; Laos; Cambodia. East Asia generally; China; Mongolia; Korea; Japan.

Over 5,000 entries arranged in four parts. Part I comprises reference and general works to provide a guide to information on Southeast Asia. Part II provides the setting of space and time. Part III features the people and Part IV the many facets of culture and society — language; ideas, beliefs, values; institutions; creative expression; and social and cultural change. Within each section, the arrangement is geographical, beginning with Southeast Asia as a whole followed by the various countries in alphabetical order.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese Army, nicknamed the "four-foot Colonel," offers an account of his nation's struggle for independence from a unique perspective. General Dun describes his background, his early life and training (in England and India), and his involvement with the Burmese nationalist movement. He also explains his position in the struggles between the emerging Burmese nation and various minority groups such as the Karens, of which he was a member. This third-person account is filled with humor and insight and allows the reader a rare glimpse into the mind of a powerful personality.