Comprehensive portrait of the Dutch East Indies across Java, Sumatra, and beyond
This authoritative study blends geography, history, culture, and economics to illuminate the peoples, policies, and profits that shaped the Dutch Indies at the turn of the century. Rich in detail and grounded in extensive sources, it guides readers from village life to imperial administration, with a clear map of how land, labor, and resources intersect across a vast archipelago.
This edition surveys the islands’ climates, crops, forests, and mines; it traces native societies, languages, and customs; and it explains the roles of Europeans, administrators, and plantation life. It covers major centers, key districts, and the varied economies that linked distant ports to global markets. With maps, portraits, and case studies, the work offers a grounded look at life in a maritime empire and the lasting impact of colonial systems.
- In‑depth chapters on Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, the Moluccas, Timor, and more, with attention to geography and people.
- Explanations of land tenure, administration, industry, and the plantation economy that shaped daily life.
- Sections on crops, forests, mines, transport, and trade, plus discussion of languages and local cultures.
- Historical context, key themes in administration, and the social fabric of both native and European communities.
Ideal for readers of travel history, colonial studies, and those seeking a grounded, map‑driven portrait of the Indonesian archipelago and its peoples.