'This book is an important contribution to the growing body of research on the global flows of knowledge that make the early modern period a time of special significance in world history. The collection presents sparkling new research that explores the interactive exchanges between European missionaries, natural scientists, adventurers, musicians, ship captains, merchants, and Southeast Asian societies. Highlighting the personal ... Read morerelationships that infused expanding networks fo cultural production in a period too often defined simply in terms of trading connections, this engaging and accessible book will be welcomed by teachers and students alike.' - Barbara Watson Andaya, University of Hawai'i 'Neither colonialism nor nationalism was kind to the manifold hybridities and borrowings that characterise this colourful region. Now at last the fascinating interactions are being explored in books such as this. It shows not only how enterprising individuals were able to enrich music, religion, science, and medicine by crossing the usual boundaries, but what a creative role was played by Southeast Asian women in the process. There are jewels in here for all, as well as new revelations and understandings for the scholars.' - Anthony Reid, author of Southeast Asi a in the Age of Commerce Show Less