About the Book

The Routledge Concise History of Southeast Asian Writing in English traces the development of literature in the region within its historical and cultural contexts. This volume explores creative writing in English across different genres and media, establishing connections from the colonial activity of the early modern period through to contemporary writing across Southeast Asia, focusing especially on the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In this critical guide, Rajeev S. Patke and Philip Holden:

• interweave text and context through the history of creative writing in the region
• examine language use and variation, making use of illuminating examples from speech, poetry and fictional prose
• trace the impact of historical, political and cultural events
• engage with current debates on national consciousness, globalization, modernity and postmodernism
• provide useful features including a glossary, further reading section and chapter summaries.

Direct and clearly written, this concise history guides readers through key topics while presenting a unique, original synthesis of history and practice in Southeast Asian writing in English. It is the ideal starting point for students and all those seeking a better understanding of Southeast Asian literatures and cultures.