17th-century Burma and the Dutch East India Company, 1634-1680

Dijk broadens (indeed transforms) our understanding of 17th-century Burmese trade and political economy.

To date, research on precolonial Burma has relied overwhelmingly on Burmese language sources, with European materials considered of marginal value.

Dijk, however, has unearthed a veritable treasure trove of exceptionally rich Dutch sources that no one suspected existed. 17th-century Burma was rich in resources and for a while experienced peace and security.

As a result, foreigners flocked to the country's shores.

The Dutch East India Company (VOC) had one of the most active foreign operations in Burma during this period.

Its vast archives discuss trade, but also contain detailed information about the people and places that VOC officials encountered in Burma.

Dijk's account of this period opens a new window into Burma's past.

An impressive piece of scholarship.