Publisher's Synopsis
The Toungoo Empire grew to become the dominant power in mainland South-East Asia during the sixteenth century. The story of its rise, from the kingdom of Toungoo in the mountains of Central Burma, first carved out by King Mingyi Nyo, to its fall under King Nanda Bayin, is one unparalleled in history. Four kings; King Mingyi Nyo, King Tabinshwehti, King Bayinnaung, and King Nanda Bayin reigned over a land empire whose size, at its peak, rivalled that of China to its north.The novel is a creative re-telling of Burmese history, and draws from both the Burmese and Ayutthayan Chronicles as well as eyewitnesses and historical accounts, to tell a story of religion, ambition and greed that should be more widely known. It is the story of the "gunpowder kings," who arose following the arrival of the Portuguese with western weaponry, it is the story of kingdoms rising and falling, it is the story of deaths in the millions, and it is the story of personal feuds and vendettas.Written in a narrative non-fiction format similar to my novels, "The Kings of Angkor," and "The Kings of Ayutthaya," the book explores a time in history when great changes were taking place throughout the region with the arrival of the Europeans who brought with them, not only new weapons, but the tactics to use them effectively. The book examines the lives and motivations of the kings, not only of the Toungoo Empire but of the kingdoms impacted by its rapid growth. It is a largely untold story and one that I felt needed telling.More information is available at www.thekingsofayutthaya.com click on "The Kings of the Toungoo Empire."
