The history of East Timor is related in this book through a chronology, an introductory essay, an expansive bibliography, and over 200 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, events, places, organizations, and other aspects of East Timor history from the earliest times to the present.

Geoffrey C. Gunn is professor of International Relations in the Faculty of Economics at Nagasaki University. He has served as a "consultant sociologist" to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, as well as advising the UN-backed East Timor "Truth Commission."