The Babad Dipanagara is a Javanese historical chronicle which describes the events leading up to the outbreak of the Java War (1825-1830) between the Yogyakarta prince Dipanagara and the Dutch colonial regime. "The Babad Dipanagara will be of considerable interest to both historians and students of Javanese language and culture. Whereas translations of chronicles or relatively obscure texts are often presented in a way which discourages the non-specialist reader, Carey, himself a historian rather than a language specialist, has succeeded in making his Babad accessible and attractive.The book is a pleasure to read, a tribute to the MBRAS. It is well designed, with a good clear text, useful maps and excellent illustrations. The English translation is clear and smooth, if not poetic. It tells a story of growing tension, dramatic incident and confrontation. Events and personalities emerge within a clear narrative. Summing up, it must be said that this is an exemplary annotated translation. Introduction, translation and notes are clear and informative, the bibliography impressive and the index comprehensive." Heather Sutherland