Views of Seventeenth-Century Vietnam: Christoforo Borri on Cochinchina and Samuel Baron on Tonkin (Studies on Southeast Asia) by Introduced and Annotated by Olga Dror and K. W. Taylor

This work delves into the early European perspectives of seventeenth-century Vietnam, exploring the insights of Cristoforo Borri regarding Cochinchina and Samuel Baron’s observations on Tonkin. Through the eyes of these early chroniclers, readers are transported to a time when the region was shrouded in mystery for the Western world. The authors provide a detailed and nuanced understanding of the social, political, and cultural landscapes at a pivotal moment in Vietnamese history.

The annotations and introduction by Olga Dror and K. W. Taylor enhance the richness of the original texts, offering valuable context and interpretation. This volume not only showcases the unique views captured by Borri and Baron but also serves as a crucial resource for those seeking to grasp the complexities of Vietnam’s past and its interactions with foreign powers.