Description

Book Synopsis

This gripping memoir narrates the formative years of the Indonesian nation through the lens of English adventurer John Coast. After years in Japanese POW camps where he first met Indonesians and learned Malay, this young British officer made his way back to Southeast Asia in order to help Indonesian Republicans in their struggle against Dutch rule. In time he became a trusted friend and employee of the new nation.

John Coast's life story is entangled with the history of the revolution: blockade-running; broadcasting from the besieged rebel capital; advocating for the Republicans to the press and politicians abroad; and having long discussions with President Sukarno. Later, John Coast and Sukarno's shared love of Balinese music and dance bore fruit in the famous Dancers of Bali tour of the West End and Broadway, which in turn paved the way for Coast's career as a leading international theatrical agent for the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar and Mario Lanza.

Recruit to Revolution: Adventure and Politics

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    A Paperback / softback by John Coast, Laura Noszlopy

    10 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of Recruit to Revolution: Adventure and Politics by John Coast

      Publisher: NIAS Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 01/09/2015
      ISBN13: 9788776941642, 978-8776941642
      ISBN10: 8776941647
      Also in:
      National liberation and independence

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      This gripping memoir narrates the formative years of the Indonesian nation through the lens of English adventurer John Coast. After years in Japanese POW camps where he first met Indonesians and learned Malay, this young British officer made his way back to Southeast Asia in order to help Indonesian Republicans in their struggle against Dutch rule. In time he became a trusted friend and employee of the new nation.

      John Coast's life story is entangled with the history of the revolution: blockade-running; broadcasting from the besieged rebel capital; advocating for the Republicans to the press and politicians abroad; and having long discussions with President Sukarno. Later, John Coast and Sukarno's shared love of Balinese music and dance bore fruit in the famous Dancers of Bali tour of the West End and Broadway, which in turn paved the way for Coast's career as a leading international theatrical agent for the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar and Mario Lanza.

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