This book tells the story of Bali--the "paradise island of the
Pacific"--its rulers and its people, and their encounters with the
Western world.
Bali is a perennially popular tourist destination. It is also home to a
fascinating people with a long and dramatic history of interactions with
foreigners, particularly after the arrival of the first Dutch fleet in
1597. In this first comprehensive history of Bali, author Willard Hanna
chronicles Bali through the centuries as well as the islanders' current
struggle to preserve their unique identity amidst the financially
necessary incursions of tourism.
Illustrated with more than forty stunning photographs, A Brief History
of Bali is a riveting tale of one ancient culture's vulnerability--and
resilience--in the modern world.