Arok of Java
Subtitle: A Novel of Early Indonesia
By: Pramoedya Ananta Toer ; translated and with an introduction by Max Lane.
Contributors: Max Lane (Translator)
Publisher: Horizon Books
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Singapore
Language: eng
Number of pages: 387
ISBN-13: 9789810580452
Subjects: Slavery -- Indonesia -- Java -- History -- 13th century -- Fiction; Revolutions -- Indonesia -- Java -- History -- 13th century -- Fiction; Java (Indonesia) -- History -- 13th century -- Fiction
Genres: Fiction.
Work titles: Arok dedes.
Description: It is the 13th century in Java. Rebelliousness stirs among peasant farmers and Brahmin priests alike. Slavery has returned and men, women and children labour to find gold for Java’s rulers. Bearing the symbols of spiritual power, a young scholar-bandit and rebel appears, called Arok – “he who upturns everything”. As the rebellion spreads, it is Arok himself whom the rulers employ to suppress it. Thus emerges one of the epic political conspiracies of Javanese history. At stake is power in Java itself, the Lady Consort Dedes, and an end to slavery and oppression.

This novel presents Pramoedya’s version of a great legend emerging out of the mists of historical past, is a tale of palace politics, conspiracy and revolution. It sets out the beginning of historical process that began on Java and gives the most vivid picture of the political, cultural and social forces which Pramoedya sees as having remained crucial until even today: the castes of the Brahman intellectuals, the Satria military and the Sudra, the people, the farmers, the artisans and labourers.
Notes: "Nobel literature prize nominee"--Cover.

"Originally published in Indonesia as 'Arok dedes'"--T.p. verso.

In English; translated from Indonesian.