John Norman Miksic and Geok Yian Goh take on the formidable task of composing a comprehensive book about human settlement and societies of ancient Southeast Asia that covers topics in paleoanthropology and human evolution as well as the development of complex societies and urban civilizations. Ancient Southeast Asia begins with a brief overview of the history, culture, and art in this world area. Chapter 1 provides definitions of terms used throughout the region, along with theoretical conceptions and misconceptions, and it positions Southeast Asia within a broader global context. The second chapter of the book lays the foundation for the environments, languages, cultures, and people of Southeast Asia that are discussed and referenced in subsequent chapters, which are organized by time period.

In Chapter 3, focused on prehistory (2,000,000 through 2,000 years ago), Miksic and Goh summarize archaeological knowledge about the Paleolithic and transitions through the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. Chapter 4 covers the Protoclassic period (AD 1–600), highlighting examples of early urbanism at archaeological sites such as Angkor Borei, Oc-èo, and My Son. This chapter also discusses some manifestations of the rise of social complexity in Southeast Asia, such as the first prominent temples, the development of caste systems, writing and literature, and art. Chapter 5, on the Early Classic period (AD 600–900), highlights the early classic economy, urbanization, and state formation. Chapter 6 addresses the rise of some of the great empires of Southeast Asia during the Middle Classic (AD 900–1200) period, and it highlights some of the most prominent archaeological sites, including Bagan, Angkor, Java, and Dai Viet. Chapter 7 focuses on the increasing influence that trade with China had on Southeast Asia and the introduction of Islam in the context of the kingdoms, including the early Thai kingdoms (Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Lan Xang), dating to the Late Classic (AD 1200–1400). Chapter 8 covers the Postclassic period (AD 1400–1600) and ends with the arrival of Europeans.

In writing a comprehensive book about Southeast Asian archaeology, the authors find themselves in the difficult position of choosing what material to include and exclude. Miksic and Goh chose a general overview approach, including almost everything, to one degree or another. In some sections, readers may find themselves wanting more detailed information. For example, Wat Phu and other important archaeological sites are given just over one page of content. Such brief coverage of important sites reflects the wealth and abundance of the archaeological record in the region, which is mirrored by the length of the book: more than 600 pages.

Although the authors chose a general overview for most subjects, the extensive bibliography is a valuable guide for further reading. The bibliography was up to date at the time the book was published, and it foreshadows some forthcoming results, such as the 2012 lidar results from the Greater Angkor Region that are alluded to but that had not been published by the time this book was released. The comprehensive overview and the chronological organization of the book makes Ancient Southeast Asia an easy candidate for undergraduate and graduate courses on the history or archaeology of Southeast Asia.

Although the book is an excellent general overview of this region, there are a few areas with room for improvement or further work to be done. First, quite a bit of prior knowledge is expected of the reader. For example, the authors reference cultural horizons and periods in Southeast Asia as they relate to those in China, without providing the appropriate context about Chinese history or the specific periods mentioned. Similar types of unexplained references are scattered throughout the book. For example, in the section about Angkor Wat, the authors mention two European visitors—Chevreul, who visited in 1768, and Bouilleveaux, who wrote about Angkor in 1858—before saying, “Angkor Wat was certainly not ‘discovered’ by Henri Mouhout” (p. 522; “Mouhout” is often spelled “Mohout”). The authors do not provide context about Mouhout's visit to Angkor in 1860 and his subsequent publications, which would clarify why he is often mistakenly credited with the “discovery” of Angkor Wat. Second, the book covers many archaeological horizons and individual sites, but most of the physical places mentioned are not depicted on maps. The book could benefit from consistent and comprehensive maps for each section that indicate the location of all the archaeological sites that are mentioned and the reach of the empires that are described in associated text. The figures and photographs also vary in quality throughout the text.

Overall, I commend Miksic and Goh for the work that they have put forth in this volume. It serves as a guide to the richness of archaeological knowledge in Southeast Asia, and it helps to chart the course for research yet to be done.