The Stricken Peacock: Anglo-Burmese Relations 1752-1948

The Stricken Peacock examines the complex relationship between Britain and Burma over nearly two centuries. The book tracks the critical period from 1752, when Burma emerged as a unified kingdom, through 1948 when it gained independence from British rule. The narrative covers three Anglo-Burmese wars and their aftermath, documenting the colonial administration's policies and their impact on Burmese society. Author Htin Aung, drawing from both British and Burmese sources, presents detailed accounts of key political figures, military campaigns, and diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. The work explores the economic exploitation of Burma's resources, the dismantling of traditional power structures, and the resistance movements that emerged. The transformation of Burma from a sovereign kingdom to a British colony forms the central arc of the historical account. Through its examination of this pivotal period, the book reveals the lasting effects of colonialism on Myanmar's modern national identity and political landscape. The text stands as both a historical record and a lens through which to understand contemporary Myanmar-Western relations.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Htin Aung's overall work: Readers appreciate Htin Aung's clear presentation of Burmese history and culture to English-speaking audiences. On Goodreads, students and researchers note his accessible writing style for complex topics. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of Burmese customs and traditions - Balance between academic depth and readability - Detailed historical context with cultural insights - Inclusion of folk tales and literature examples What readers disliked: - Some dated language and colonial-era perspectives - Limited availability of his works in print - Occasional Western-centric interpretations Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (97 ratings) - "A History of Burma" - 4.0/5 (52 ratings) - "Burmese Folk-Tales" - 3.8/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: Limited reviews due to out-of-print status - "Folk Elements in Burmese Buddhism" - 4.5/5 (6 reviews) Note: Review data is limited as many of his works are academic texts or out of print. Most reviews come from students and scholars rather than general readers.

The Burma Campaign by Frank McLynn Chronicles the military and political struggle between British forces and Japanese armies in Burma during World War II with focus on colonial implications.

Burma: The Curse of Independence by Shelby Tucker Documents Burma's transformation from British colony to independent nation through examination of ethnic conflicts and power struggles from 1948 onwards.

The Making of Modern Burma by Thant Myint-U Traces Burma's evolution from the pre-colonial Konbaung dynasty through British rule with emphasis on administrative and social changes.

Colonial Policy and Practice by J.S. Furnivall Presents comparative analysis of Dutch and British colonial systems in Southeast Asia with particular focus on Burma's economic and social structures.

Burma's Revolution of 1885 by Albert Moscotti Examines the fall of the Burmese monarchy and establishment of complete British control through diplomatic correspondence and military records.

🦚 Author Htin Aung was the first Burmese national to serve as Vice-Chancellor of Rangoon University (1946-1958), bringing significant cultural perspective to his historical analysis. 🏛️ The book covers the crucial period when Burma went from being an independent kingdom to a British colony, including the three Anglo-Burmese Wars that transformed the region. 👑 The title's "Peacock" refers to the Konbaung Dynasty's royal symbol - the peacock throne - representing Burma's sovereignty before British colonization. 📚 Htin Aung wrote this work while at Columbia University in the 1960s, providing a rare Burmese perspective on colonial history at a time when most accounts came from British sources. 🗝️ The book reveals how British commercial interests in teak wood and rice cultivation played a major role in the colonization of Burma, beyond the commonly cited political motivations.