Globally Renowned Myanmar Scholars and Myanmar Books

Book Title – Globally Renowned Myanmar Scholars and Myanmar Books
Author – Maung Zeyar
Publishing House – Pyinzagan
Publication Date – December 2024 (2nd Edition)
Price – K10,000

This week’s pick is Globally renowned Myanmar scholars and Myanmar books, compiled by the esteemed writer Maung Zayar and published for the second time by the Pyin Sagan Publishing House. This second edition contains a supplement with the newly discovered information.
This book will shed light on the twelve Myanmar scholars who have received international recognition and ten Myanmar books that are valued around the world.
The book comprises 216 pages, along with a foreword by a renowned literary expert, U Thaw Kaung. It is divided into two parts with photographs, illustrations, and bibliographies, offering insights into the lives and literary critiques of those great Myanmar scholars.
Part One is a collection of biographical and literary introductions, documenting the scholarly works of globally recognized Myanmar researchers who wrote books and papers in both English and Myanmar, focusing on Myanmar literature, language, history, culture, and traditions.
Part Two highlights ten globally renowned Myanmar books covering various genres: Myanmar chronicles, Buddhist chronicles, Sasana Vumsa, Dhammasat, travelogues, letters of goodwill (Mitta-sa), poems on nature, rhymed verses (Yadu), modern novels, and dramas. Tathagata Udana Dipani, Buddhist prose novel entitled Mala Linkara, Sasanavumsapa Dipika, daily journals of King Mindon’s minister and diary of his mission to France, Kyikanshingyi’s Mittasa, Manukyal’s Dhammasat, Glass Palace Chronicle, Shin Uttamagyaw’s Tawla, Letwe Thondara’s Foot of Meza Hill Yadu (poetry), and modern plays and drama of the Governor-General.
It has been 50 years since the prominent Rakhine scholar U San Tha Aung passed away, and he is no longer with us. Nonetheless, his literary works remained remarkable. This book offers an enjoyable reading experience by putting the works of Saya Thein Pe Myint and Zawana together.  Saya Thein Pe Myint’s play was translated into English and published, and was also staged in India as an anti-fascist production. Myanmar has so much pride in it. Moreover, Saya Zawana’s novel famously satirized the Dorman Smith and White Paper project.
Regarding this book, the versatile artiste Zagana has commented that “In the field of research, I felt both joy and pride that Myanmar produced such great scholars whom the world cited as references, and a sense of regret that they are no longer with us. I want those who do not yet know about or have not read about the works of those scholars to take the time to study them. He appreciated the achievement of Myanmar’s scholars by modifying that missing the scholars is like missing one’s aunt without realizing one had a mother.”
Writer Soe Bar Dine also gave a remark that even before I knew Saya Maung Zaya as the Chief Librarian of the National Library, I had come to trust the accuracy of his articles and read them with respect as reliable sources of references. I see that among the globally known books, he has covered a wide range of works, including Myanmar chronicles, Buddhist chronicles, Sasana Vumsa, Dhammasat, travelogues, letters of goodwill, poems of solitude, Yadu verses, modern novels, and dramas. We still have expectations from Saya, and want to read more. Sayar compiled works on ‘One Era, One Person’. His ability to source and include manuscripts from various fields shows his expertise in library science. I pray that Saya Maung Zeyar stays healthy and continues to write.”
Additionally, the book first highlights the achievements of the scholars and then concisely introduces their biographies. Saya Maung Zayar’s engaging presentation emphasized the earnest effort of each scholar to reach their goals and how their globally-critiqued arts and efforts hold domestically and internationally.
To summarize, this book will serve as an easily accessible and valuable reference not only for Myanmar readers but also for international readers and researchers who want to study or conduct research on Myanmar literature and Myanmar books.

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