This book is an introductory history to the Shan/Tai people of South East Asia, tracing their movement from Central China in 2200BC to Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Northeast India. The Shan/Tai were the pioneers of rice farming, and most of the different groups have related words for farming practices, relationships, food and clothing. Their languages and alphabets are mutually intelligible to a certain extent. This history traces the relationships between the various Tai peoples spread out over South East Asia today. It is a good place to start if you want to learn about the Shan/Tai people. For some people it will be sufficient in itself; for the more serious student it paves the way for deeper study.