Burmese History

Philip French of the Observer described Orwell as 'the greatest writer of the twentieth century.' Burmese days was Orwell's first novel, and was issued in 1934 in America, then a year later in the UK where there had been fears and controversy initially that the material may be libellous. The...

Brought to you by Penguin. Based on his experiences as a policeman in Burma, George Orwell's first novel presents a devastating picture of British colonial rule Burmese Days describes corruption and imperial bigotry in a society where, 'after all, natives were natives'. When Flory, a white...

John Flory is a white timber-merchant in 1920s Burma. Disillusioned by imperial life, Flory defies orthodoxy and befriends Indian Dr Veraswami. The doctor is being pursued by a corrupt magistrate, U Po Kyin, who is orchestrating his downfall. The only thing that can save his reputation is membership of the all-white Club, and Flory is in a position to help. Flory's life is also upended by the arrival of beautiful Parisian Elizabeth Lackersteen, who offers an escape from loneliness and the deceit of colonial life.

With the exception of the terrible retreat from Afghanistan, none of England's many little wars have been so fatal in proportion to the number of those engaged as our first expedition to Burma. The Burman policy of carrying off every boat on the river, laying waste the whole country, and driving away the inhabitants and the herds, maintained our army as prisoners in Rangoon through the first wet season; and caused the loss of half the white officers and men first sent there.

Explore a gripping Southeast Asian history of ancient Buddhist empires, colonial conquest, and modern military survival. Perfect for a daily commute or focused learning session, this immersive audio journey reveals how geography forged a complex civilization at the crossroads of India and China...