Asia Audiobooks | History

Saurabh Kumar (Author), Saurabh Kumar (Narrator)

Audiobook

Aung San Suu Kyi: Politician, Prisoner, Parent

"POLITICIAN • PRISONER • PARENT A portrait of one of the most charismatic, but unknown, world leaders Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and crusader for democracy in Myanmar, is once again behind bars. Her resounding victory at the polls, and re-election to office as civilian head of state, were overturned by the February 2021 military coup – a move with ruinous consequences. Aung San Suu Kyi has been here before. The first half of her political career was spent under house arrest. But this time she has been disappeared into prison in Naypyidaw, following an array of charges clearly calculated to keep her out of politics and out of sight for the rest of her life. This time she is caught in a zero-sum game. Once deified by the international community for her advocacy of democracy and human rights, yet later vilified for her denial of the Burmese military’s genocidal campaign against the Rohingya, Aung San Suu Kyi’s image survives largely untarnished within Myanmar. Her supporters refer to her as ‘Amay Suu’ (Mother Suu). Heir to the political and spiritual legacy of her father, General Aung San, independence hero and martyr, she remains the lodestar of nationalist aspirations, and matriarch for a nation in distress. This book tracks Aung San Suu Kyi’s transformation from daughter of a national hero to materfamilias of Myanmar, placing her firmly within the context of the Burmese Buddhist notions of nationhood and motherhood and explaining her continuing role as the figurehead of the nation’s struggles. The result is a unique portrait of a living legend, rendered by a compatriot and contemporary, the novelist Wendy Law-Yone. POLITICIAN Decades spent spearheading the fight for democracy in Myanmar – following her father Aung San’s legacy as founder of the modern Burmese nation. PRISONER Having already spent half her political career under house arrest, in December 2022, Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to 33 years in prison. PARENT To her exiled family and a nation."

Wendy Law-Yone (Author), Ragini Kapil (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Great Mughals and Their India

"A definitive, comprehensive and engrossing chronicle of one of the greatest dynasties of the world—the Mughal—from its founder Babur to Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last of the clan the magnificent Mughal legacy is an inexhaustible source of inspiration to historians, writers, moviemakers, artists and ordinary mortals alike. Mughal history abounds with all the ingredients of classical drama: ambition and frustration, hope and despair, grandeur and decline, love and hate, and loyalty and betrayal. Mughal history deserves to be widely read and reflected upon, because of its lasting cultural and socio-political relevance to today's world in general and the Indian subcontinent in particular. The Mughals have left us with a legacy that cannot be erased. With regard to the eventful reigns of Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb and their successors, crucial questions arise: Where did they succeed? Where did they fail? And more importantly, what should we learn from their triumphs and failures? In The Great Mughals and Their India, he has kept these objectives in mind in an attempt to narrate Mughal history from their perspective. At the same time, he does not shy away from dealing with controversial issues. Here is a fascinating and riveting saga that brings alive a spectacular bygone era—authentically and convincingly."

Dirk Collier (Author), John Lee (Narrator)

Audiobook

To Tell the Truth: My Life as a Foreign Correspondent

"Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Lewis M. Simons recollects his fifty years as a foreign correspondent, one whose powerful stories contributed to transforming Asia from Vietnam War-era basket case to a global boomtown that today rivals the United States. Simons's investigative work led to the toppling of a dictator in the Philippines. He covered the Tiananmen Square massacre in China, bloody coups in Thailand, attempted genocide and societal collapse in Cambodia, and economic advance, decline, and rebirth in Japan. He was expelled from India for his exclusive reporting on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's political misuse of the armed forces. Breaking his own strict rule against becoming personally involved with people whose stories he covered, he saved the life of a dying teenaged Tibetan Buddhist monk. Simons molds the narrative of his lengthy, action-packed career from foxhole mud and backroom dirt. Layered with moments of tenderness and humor, as his camp-following family often accompanies him, the result is a masterful chronicle of war and murder; extreme poverty and suffering alongside repellent wealth and indulgence; wholesale larceny and ruling-class corruption—much of which escaped the scrutiny of other journalists. Listeners who appreciate real-life historic drama will be enthralled."

Lewis M. Simons (Author), Graham Rowat (Narrator)

Audiobook

Krantikari: Bharat ke Swatantrata Sangram ki Ek Alag Kahani

"The history of India's struggle for freedom is usually told from the perspective of the non-violent movement. Yet, the story of armed resistance to colonial occupation is just as important. Names such as Vinayak Savarkar, Aurobindo Ghosh, Rashbehari Bose, Bagha Jatin, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and Subhas Chandra Bose are still widely remembered. Their story is almost always presented as acts of individual heroism and not as part of a wider movement that had any overarching strategy or significant impact on the overall struggle for Independence. In reality, the revolutionaries were part of a large network that sustained armed resistance against the British Empire for half a century. They not only created a wide network inside India but also established nodes in Britain, France, Thailand, Germany, Persia, Russia, Italy, Ireland, the United States, Japan and Singapore. At various points, they received official support and recognition from the governments of some of these countries. Even the internal dynamics of the Indian National Congress of the time cannot be understood without the revolutionaries, who enjoyed widespread support within the organization. This was no small-scale movement of naive individual heroism but one that involved a large number of extraordinary young men and women who were connected in multiple ways to each other and to the evolving events of their times. Krantikari, the Hindi translation of the bestselling Revolutionaries, tells their story, one that is replete with swashbuckling adventure, intrigue, espionage, incredible bravery, diabolical treachery and shockingly unpredictable twists of fate."

Sanjeev Sanyal (Author), Ashish Bhandari (Narrator)

Audiobook

Fifteen Judgements: Cases That Shaped India's Financial Landscape

"This book examines fifteen judgments that have influenced the financial destiny of India. With significant macroeconomic dimensions, these judgments, when explored, show a long-term impact on the economy. In doing so, judgments from different times of history have been examined to give the reader a flavour of the jurisprudential philosophies at different times in the country since Independence."

Saurabh Kirpal (Author), Adwait Karambelkar (Narrator)

Audiobook

Pearl Harbor: Conflict To Resolution

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Experience the gripping story of Pearl Harbor like never before with our exclusive book bundle, 'Pearl Harbor.' This carefully curated collection of four captivating books takes you on a riveting journey through the events leading up to the attack, the harrowing survival stories, the incredible work of the codebreakers, and the enduring legacy that reverberates to this day. Book 1: 'Dawn of Infamy: The Road to Pearl Harbor' sets the stage for the pivotal events of December 7, 1941. Immerse yourself in the complex geopolitical landscape, the rising tensions, and the diplomatic struggles that shaped the road to that fateful day. In Book 2: 'Through the Smoke: Surviving Pearl Harbor,' you will witness the heart-stopping moments of the attack itself. Through gripping firsthand accounts and harrowing narratives, you will be transported to the chaos and confusion that unfolded as brave individuals fought for survival amidst the devastation. Book 3: 'The Codebreakers: Cracking the Secrets of Pearl Harbor' unveils the remarkable world of intelligence and cryptography. Discover the incredible stories of the codebreakers who unraveled the Japanese encryption systems, providing crucial intelligence that turned the tide of the war. Finally, in Book 4: 'The Aftermath: Reflections on Pearl Harbor's Legacy,' you will explore the profound and enduring impact of the attack. Reflect on the immediate aftermath, the efforts of rebuilding and reconciliation, and the long-term consequences that shaped the course of history. This book offers poignant insights into the lessons learned and the lasting legacy of Pearl Harbor, ensuring that its significance is never forgotten. Order your copy of the 'Pearl Harbor' collection today and immerse yourself in the profound and transformative story that shaped the course of history."

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Introducing: Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun - A Captivating Book Bundle Discover the captivating story of the Axis Powers - Germany, Italy, and Japan - and their impact on World War II and the world at large. Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun is a compelling book bundle that takes you on a captivating journey through the rise, fall, and aftermath of one of the most tumultuous periods in history. Book 1: Rise And Fall: The Axis Powers In World War II Step into the heart of the conflict as you explore the major events, military strategies, and key figures that defined the Axis Powers' involvement in World War II. Book 2: Fascism's Grip: The Axis Powers And Totalitarianism Dive deep into the ideologies, policies, and practices that characterized the totalitarian regimes of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Explore the rise of fascism, the cults of personality surrounding leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini, and the impact of totalitarian rule on society, politics, and individual lives. Book 3: The Asian Theatre: Axis Powers In The Pacific Embark on an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of World War II - the Asian theater. Delve into the Japanese invasion of China, the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific, and the strategic battles that shaped the course of the war in this region. Book 4: The Aftermath: Axis Powers And Post-War Reckoning Witness the profound impact of World War II on the Axis Powers and the complex aftermath that followed. From the Nuremberg Trials to the reconstruction efforts and the pursuit of justice, this book explores the post-war reckoning faced by the defeated nations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the Axis Powers' impact on history. Grab your copy of Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun today and embark on an unforgettable historical adventure!"

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism

"A guide to authentic North Asian Shamanism, past and present The word shamanism is frequently bandied about but rarely used accurately. Shamanologist Nicholas Breeze Wood coined the following definition: 'A shaman is someone chose by the spirits [typically at/before birth] and who can go into a controlled and repeatable deliberate trance state, during which they: A) experience 'spirit flight,' where they go to meet the spirit worlds and meet spirits, who they either fight with, negotiate with, or trick, in order to create change in this physical world, or B) are often taken over/possessed by the spirits (normally ancestral shaman spirits, or local land spirits) while in this physical world—the spirits using the shaman's voice and body to heal, or give advice to members of the shaman's community. Without the spirits, and their blessing, a shaman can not exist or function. Without the trance state, it is not shamanism.' Author David Shi, for whom these are family traditions, explores the history and practice of shamanism. What is it? Where is it from? How does one become a shaman? Shi guides listeners through unfamiliar territory—the landscape of North Asia—and through what are largely hidden and unfamiliar traditions. Spirit Voices takes and in-depth look at three main cultural shamanic traditions: Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungus."

David Shi (Author), David Lee Huynh (Narrator)

Audiobook

Overreach: How China Derailed Its Peaceful Rise

"For three decades after Mao's death in 1976, China's leaders adopted a restrained approach to foreign policy. To facilitate the country's inexorable economic ascendance, and to prevent a backlash, they reassured the outside world of China's peaceful intentions. Then, as Susan Shirk shows, something changed. China went from fragile superpower to global heavyweight. Combining her decades of research and experience, Shirk, one of the world's most respected experts on Chinese politics, argues that we are now fully embroiled in a new cold war. As she shows, the shift toward confrontation began in the mid-2000s under the mild-mannered Hu Jintao. When Xi Jinping took power in 2012, he capitalized on widespread official corruption and open splits in the leadership to make the case for more concentrated power at the top. Those who implement Xi's directives compete to outdo one another, provoking an even greater global backlash and stoking jingoism within China on a scale not seen since the Cultural Revolution. Here is a devastatingly lucid portrait of China today. Understanding the domestic roots of China's actions will enable us to avoid the mistakes that could lead to war."

Susan L. Shirk (Author), Teri Schnaubelt (Narrator)

Audiobook

Pisces Moon: The Dark Arts of Empire

"Pisces Moon: The Dark Arts of Empire is a sweeping critical analysis of Western colonialism, its foundational beliefs in militarism, patriarchy, Christianity, and white supremacy; and its destructive impact on the nations of Southeast Asia and, ultimately, America. Valentine focuses on the “dark arts” of empire: the black bag of CIA covert operations, including bribery, right-wing coups, assassinations, disinformation, and intimate relationships with drug, sex, and artifact traffickers. He pays especially close attention to the CIA’s use of psychological warfare to play upon the beliefs of people to shape their political and social movements. Pisces Moon shines a light on the central role played by missionaries, academics, writers, and filmmakers in assisting and promoting Western imperialism. In the mid-1990s, based on his book The Phoenix Program, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) hired Valentine as a consultant to a documentary series it was making about the CIA’s activities in South Vietnam. Valentine embarked for London in February 1991 as the sun was about to enter Pisces, the astrological sign which rules deception, espionage, foreign things, prisons, and religion. The month-long trip began with five days in London, where Valentine was asked to carry ten thousand dollars in cash to the BBC crew in Vietnam. After a memorable week in Vietnam, Valentine spent two weeks traveling around Thailand interviewing expat CIA officers for his books on CIA drug smuggling. Unique in every respect, Pisces Moon features many prominent, historically significant CIA officers with whom he has interacted with while conducting his original research. Throughout the narrative, Pisces Moon explains how decades of propaganda and disinformation directed against them by war planners, religious leaders, and corporate institutions have made it nearly impossible for Americans to distinguish fact from fiction; a descent into mass delusion that William Burroughs called “the backlash and bad karma of empire.”Pisces Moon: The Dark Arts of Empire will grab you from the beginning and won’t let go."

Douglas Valentine (Author), Stefan Rudnicki (Narrator)

Audiobook

Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations That Built British Colonialism

"Across four centuries, British colonialism was above all the business of corporations. Corporations conceived, promoted, financed, and governed overseas expansion, making claims over territory and peoples while ensuring that British and colonial society were invested, quite literally, in their ventures. Colonial companies were also relentlessly controversial, frequently in debt, and prone to failure. The corporation was well-suited to overseas expansion not because it was an inevitable juggernaut but because it was an elusive contradiction: public and private; person and society; subordinate and autonomous; centralized and diffuse; immortal and precarious; national and cosmopolitan—a legal fiction with very real power. Breaking from traditional histories in which corporations take a supporting role by doing the dirty work of sovereign states in exchange for commercial monopolies, Philip Stern argues that corporations took the lead in global expansion and administration. As Empire, Incorporated makes clear, venture colonialism did not cease with the end of empire. Challenging conventional wisdom about where power is held on a global scale, Stern complicates the supposedly firm distinction between private enterprise and the state, offering a new history of the British Empire, as well as a new history of the corporation."

Philip J. Stern (Author), Rick Adamson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Asia Audiobooks in History