New Arrivals at The Penang Bookshelf
in
June 2021
(Last Updated 30-06-21)
Rice padi cultivation was transformed in Malaysia in the years following independence so that production was increased and dependence on imports lessened, thanks to many Government subsidies and interventions. While there have been several studies on financial support to growers, there has been less focus on the systems of irrigation. In this monograph the author traces the history of rice irrigation in the country from the early 19th century, linking it to pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial practices. New Paperback. First Edition. 63 pages with illustrations.
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia was only formed in 1958 after independence. Before that all engineers had been members of institutions based outside the country. This book is intended to showcase the work of members in the first sixty years or so after independence. New Paperback. First Edition. 122 pages.
An exhibition catalogue highlighting the work of five Malaysian artists. New Paperback First Edition. 48 pages with colour plates of the art exhibited. The text is in English
The book was published in conjunction with the sculptor's first solo exhibition in 2017. The exhibition captured his use of differing media to create wall pieces and sculptures. There is an introductory piece in English while the rest of the book is in Bahasa Malaysia. New Paperback. First Edition 80 pages with numerous colour photographs of the artist's works.
This work in both Bahasa Malaysia and English was published in conjunction with the sculptor's exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur in 2020. The pieces exhibited were crafted as part of a process of helping the sculptor recover from a stroke and subsequent depression. New Paperback. First Edition. 206 pages with many colour photographs of the works exhibited and some line drawings.
This is an exhibition catalogue in Bahasa Malaysia and English that accompanied a re-staging of Ismail Zain's exhibition entitled 'Digital Collage.' This revival, following his death, was intended to highlight his particular contribution to modern art - the re-imagining of natural images via digital enhancement. New Paperback. First Edition. 122 pages.
A selection of autobiographical jottings taken from the sculptor's diary. The book is in Bahasa Malaysia. New Paperback. First Edition. 136 pages with several illustrations by the author.
A catalogue for an exhibition of the work of 18 contemporary Malaysian artists. The text is in Bahasa Malaysia and English New Paperback. First Edition. 45 pages For further details please see the scanned contents page.
The distinctive architecture and calligraphy of Islam are two of the principal forms of artistic expression permitted by the religion. In this book, the author not only traces the history of this decorative script, but also its different styles and how it was applied to Jawi, the main form of script of the Malay language until the 20th century. New Paperback First Edition. 105 pages with several colour plates, a list of references and an index.
The author joined The Forest Research Institute Malaysia just as the colonial staff were leaving and was the leading expert in tropical forest biology for most of his time at the institute. Here he reflects on his career and the development of the institute while he was employed there. After leaving the institute he held senior positions in international forestry organisations. New Paperback. First Edition. 200 pages with some colour photographs, maps and tables.
A long time expatriate resident of Malaysia presents a collection of anecdotes of life in the country from the 1950s through to the 1970s with accompanying black and white photographs. New Paperback. First Edition. 165 pages with an index.
A no nonsense account of a young man's experiences as a surveyor for roads and railways in Kedah and Kelantan between 1913 and 1918. Wells was an entertaining and observant writer mixing stories of recipes for gin slings with lots of information on the flora and fauna, much of which he presumably had to clear out of his way to get his job done. Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket Reprint. Originally published in 1923 261 pages with a bibliography and some black and white plates.
This book captures Kirkup's experiences for the year that he was in Malaya teaching at the University of Kuala Lumpur. He started by being disappointed after his stay in Japan, but then made a point of escaping the capital city to travel the length and breadth of the peninsula and discovered a completely different world, which captivated him completely. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket Reprint 287 pages with an index.
The tone of Clifford's sketches of life in 19th century Malaya is set by the first sentence of his preface to this book - 'The nineteen tales and sketches, which are enclosed within the covers of this book, relate to certain brown men and obscure things in a distant and very little known corner of the Earth.' In other words it's one man's view of what life was like 'from the inside' living amongst people who were 'still in a state of original sin.' Good Hardback. Second Edition The book was originally published in 1897. 255 pages with a new 40 pages 'autobiographical preface' for this edition.
Purcell joined the Malayan Civil Service in 1921 and unusually chose Chinese, rather than Malay, as the main language he would attempt to master. Although he was told this would 'ruin his career', he made good use of his language skills to become the most senior colonial officer concerned with the Chinese community's affairs, both before and after World War II. Here he reminiscences on both the amusing aspects of his career and the difficult political forces he had to contend with. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. First Edition. 373 pages with several black and white plates, a map and an index.
In setting out to demonstrate why he believes Yong Mun Sen is the father of Malaysian painting, the author a renowned gallery owner in Penang, introduces the reader to the early stirrings of the contemporary art movements in Penang, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Very Good Hardback. First Edition Signed by the Author 212 pages with numerous colour plates illustrating various artists' work
A memoir of the author's time as a policeman during the Malayan 'Emergency.' He is at pains to point out the importance of the police contribution in the battle against the Communist insurgents, where more than five times as many police were killed in combat compared with the fatalities of the military forces. With a foreword by Field Marshal Gerald Templer. Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket.
A collection of radio talks given by Spencer Chapman on his adventures both before World War II and behind Japanese lines in Malaya. In his introduction he writes, ' I am a great believer in the character-training value of adventure and hardship.' In the remainder of the book he recounts his adventures in Greenland, Iceland, Lapland, the Himalayas and Malaya. About half the book is about his Malayan experiences. Good Hardback. 187 pages with an index, two maps and 8 black and white plates.
This entertaining account gives us an insight as to what a group of Englishmen get up to in their early 20s amongst Kayans, Punans and other tribes in the Borneo jungle. They also managed to undertake some scientific work on behalf of The Oxford Exploration Club. 254 pages including appendices and index. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. Very Good Paperback. Reprint
Cook was a District Officer in North Borneo for about eight years, returning to England in 1920. This is his memoir of his time there. He served in the Tenom, Kaningau, Semporna, Tuaran, Kota Belud, North Keppel and Labuk and Sugut districts. The experience obviously made a significant impression on him as for some years after his return to the UK he wrote short stories based on his experience in Sabah. 286 pages with 26 black and white plates Very Good Hardback Reprint. Originally published in 1924.
This is an edited version of a monograph originally published in 1891. It was a time when the British were beginning to explore the possibilities of exploiting the parts of the island of Borneo that were not already under Dutch control. Treacher was eminently suited to carry out this survey, having held various government posts on the island, including the first Governor of British North Borneo, before this was published. He ended his career with various appointments on the Malay peninsula. New Paperback. Reprint. 186 pages.
The joint authors, academics in Asian history, theatre and postcolonial theory respectively, join forces to produce a sweeping history of the orangutan's place both in its natural habitat of Borneo and in the scientific, artistic and popular imagination. Often seen as human-like, the orangutan has suffered from over exploitation by visitors and loss of its natural habitat resulting in all three species of the animal being now considered to be critically endangered. New Paperback. 318 pages with a map, a bibliography, an index and several black and white illustrations.
An American forensic surgeon, who travelled to Borneo in 1920s to collect ethnological specimens for the Chicago Museum of Natural History, provided this first-hand account of the Dyak tribe of Borneo. He was not prepared for this adventure in which he encountered towering trees, crocodiles, shrieking monkeys and pitch dark nights. He was also surprised to come across the fierce and feared headhunting Dyaks. However he soon came to know them sufficiently to record their ways of life and beliefs for this book. The book has been rebound in leatherette boards with leather edgings and the title is stamped in gilt lettering on the spine. Good Hardback 327 pages with an index, a map and several black and white plates.
Following the ceding of Sarawak by the Brooke family to the British Government at the end of World War II, a group of anthropologists were employed by the Government to produce studies on the main ethnic groups in the state. The author's original remit was to study Chinese clan associations, but he extended it to cover Chinese society generally. The result is a fascinating study of how an immigrant community copes and thrives in their new home country. The timing of the study, within three years of the war, was particularly relevant not only because of the advent of Communism in China but also because the community was still licking its wounds after a miserable time during the Japanese occupation. 175 pages. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. Near Fine Paperback Reprint
The longhouses of Borneo often puzzled early European travellers to the region because there seemed to be little purpose to families living together rather than in separate dwellings. In this book the author, with the help of colonial records and oral history, pieces together the history of the building and the communities that lived in them. One surprising result of his research was that neither the structures nor their inhabitants were permanent, but almost as impermanent and mobile as contemporary societies. New Hardback. First Edition. 345 pages with a bibliography, indices and figures.
David Fielding was a District Officer in the remote coastal region of North Borneo, now, Sabah, in the last three years of the British administration there. This is a complete set of letters that he and his wife sent home recording their lives in this time of transition. Besides recording their own story, this book also introduces the reader to the customs and legends of their hosts. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 444 pages.
A collection of 23 folk stories collected to preserve the oral traditions of the peoples of Borneo. with line drawings by Aini bin Abd Rahman. Very Good. Reprint. Originally published in 1963. 65 pages
The Dusun: A North Borneo Society - Thomas Rhys Williams RM80
The author originally went to Borneo in the late 1950s to research the methods by which the Dusun teach their children customary behaviour. He returned in 1962 to validate and extend his research. In this book he provides the reader with a succinct, yet comprehensive review of Dusun society at the time. First Edition. Good Paperback 100 pages including black and white illustrations, a glossary and a bibliography. The book's chapters include - 1. The Background of Customary Dusun Behaviour, 2 - Conceptions of the Natural World, 3- Religious Belief and Behaviour, 4 - Omens, Luck and Chance 5 - Sickness and Death, 6 - Social Relations, 7 - Property, Order and Authority, 8 - Subsistence and Economy, 9 - Life Experience and World View. Very Good Paperback First Edition
This is an off print from the Brunei Museum Journal Vol. 3, No 4 of 1976. Although the Chinese had produced earlier maps of the island of Borneo, this booklet concentrates on the maps mainly produced by the Portuguese when they realised that Brunei was a useful staging post on their journeys in the archipelago. Nicholl examines ten such maps with black and white plates and explanatory text. Very Good Pamphlet 30 pages.
This work is the culmination of a project designed to enable music students in the Malaysian Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak to learn to plan traditional music of the indigenous peoples on traditional instruments. This book highlights songs documented from upriver Kenyah villages of Sarawak and from the Kadazandusun community of Sarawak. Each song chosen has standard music notation and an explanation New Paperback. First Edition 81 pages with an accompanying CD laid in 81 pages.
A handy pocket guide to the most common Malaysian timbers in use. The description of each type of timber includes scientific and vernacular names, the strength grouping, the air dry density, colour uses and two colours photographs of the finished timber. New Spiral bound Paperback. 70 pages.
A book designed to develop business leaders as 'change agents.' Lots of exercises, quizzes and tips to improve personal and organizational performance. New Paperback. Reprint. 208 pages.
First published in 1982, this book was revised by SC Lim and RCK Chung in 2002 and is aimed at collating the diverse literature on Malaysian timbers in one volume. It includes information such as the physical, mechanical and processing properties of each species as well as highlighting lesser known and under utilised timbers. New Hardback. Reprint of the Second Edition. 201 pages.
The Russell family originally came to Malaya in the 19th century as entrepreneurs and, unlike most of their contemporaries, they remained in the newly independent Malaysia, managing their businesses, particularly the BOH tea plantations, the largest tea producers in the country today. This book tells the story of Richard Dearie, who established businesses in the United Kingdom and the United States, and of his son Jack Russell and his descendants in Malaysia. New Paperback First Edition. 411 pages with an index and numerous black and white photographs.
Malaysia's business and financial sectors are hosts to a considerable number of Government linked bodies that play a significant role in these sectors. This study of these entities' directors' remuneration packages demonstrates that Malaysia has some way to go in demonstrating that these bodies operate in an efficient and transparent manner, rather than being repositories for Government patronage. The authors propose changes to the current practices so that these entities can been seen to work on behalf of the citizens to whom they should ultimately be accountable. New Paperback. First Edition. 133 pages.
Originally published in 1923 to celebrate the first centenary of the founding of Singapore, painstakingly enumerated nearly a century ago, need updating. Song was a 'King's Chinese' from an anglicised Straits Chinese family loyal to the British Crown as is evident in the book. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to a decade of the city's history from 1819 onwards. The book's 602 pages contain several black and white photographs. Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. Reprint
The Chinese diaspora of at least 60 million has been spreading throughout the globe for centuries. Their ethnic cohesion gives the community identity and economic power, even though China is no longer their home. Whereas the diaspora were often on the political periphery in the past, in the last hundred years ethnic Chinese participation in politics in their new homes has become more common. In this book the author examines what promotes this new political activism in three different countries and what this activity seeks to achieve. Good Paperback. First Edition. 231 pages including a bibliography, index, figures, tables and maps.
This collection of more than 200 Malaysian recipes gives a representative sample of the wide range of food that the country has to offer. The selection is broken down into sections on each one of peninsula Malaysia's 11 states and the two states on the island of Borneo. This is the second edition of this marvellous collection. The first edition was reprinted seven times. Most of the recipes are illustrated by colour photographs. New Paperback. New Edition 264 pages
A catalogue describing the collection of Wayang Siam puppets acquired by the British Museum in 1969 from Awang Lah, perhaps the best known dalang of his time. Very Good Paperback First Edition 80 pages. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details.
While much has been written about Singapore's political system, less has been written about how that system interacts with the country's vibrant cultural scene. In this book a US Professor of Theatre focuses on the dramatic manifestations of that culture and how it copes with themes such as interculturalism, gender and sexual orientation. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 287 pages with an index.
Ever since the arrival in Malaya of new waves of immigrants in the 19th century, race relations have often been the source of tension. Since ethnic identity is bound up with language, the role of schools in maintaining those languages has been important. In this book, the author traces the history of language education from when political parties were beginning to form until shortly after independence. The book is in Bahasa Malaysia. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 149 pages.
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the declaration of the 'Emergency' in Malaya, the author, a retired Superintendent of Police, who was on active service during the conflict, compiled this book. It not only contains reminiscences of others who served during the insurgency but also details of the 119 buried at the Anglican Christian cemetery at Batu Gajah, 'God's Little Acre.' The book also contains much other information about the conflict in the state of Perak. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 218 pages with several black and white plates and a few maps
The author commanded a battalion of British troops during the Malayan 'Emergency.' Here he gives his account of how his operations against the insurgents were carried out. Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. First Edition. 216 pages with an index, a map and some black and white plates.
Templer, often credited with turning the tide against against the Communist insurgents in the 'Emergency.' was a complex man. In this book the author, with the co-operation of, but not directed by his widow seeks to piece together his life. Although he had many other accomplishments, both before and after his service in Malaya, he died largely unnoticed by politicians, but mourned by his fellow soldiers. Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. First Edition Please see scanned photos for a list of the chapters. 508 pages with some black and white photographs.
Former Special Branch officer and later academic, Comber gives the first authoritative account of how Malaya's intelligence services worked to undermine the Communist insurgency that disrupted Malayan life for just over a decade after the end of World War II. It is a story of painstaking and innovative work that helped inform future counter intelligence operations elsewhere. New Paperback 324 pages with a glossary, bibliography, index and an introduction by Anthony Short.
Roy Follows, joined the Malay Police Force in 1952 at the height of the 'Emergency.' Here we have his account the drudgery of hours of 'jungle-bashing' that was necessary before combat and what combat was like for the British who were scrambling to learn what guerilla warfare was all about. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket 152 pages including epilogue, notes, glossary and index.
This is a review of the tenure of Colonel Nicol Gray as Commissioner of Police for three years at the beginning of the Malayan 'Emergency.'. Although the author credits him with breaking the back of the insurrection by 1951, Gray's term in office ended in acrimony, which included an accusation that he should have provided the police with armoured cars. The author was serving police officer at the time and looks on Gray's role more favourably than most. Very Good Paperback. First Edition 44 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page
Drawing on his experience of covering the Malayan 'Emergency' as a correspondent, Miller, while being far from impartial, brings to life Britain's first experience of a new kind of warfare where military intelligence and building up a decent rapport with civilians were prioritised over absolute reliance on war machinery. Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket 220 pages. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details.
This is undoubtedly the most comprehensive pictorial history of the conflict that beset Malaya as it emerged from World War II and moved on towards independence. Although beautifully produced, the book's historical slant seldom veers from the perspective of the victors. Very Good Hardback in a Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition 386 pages with numerous sepia images and an index.
An account of the author's experiences with the Suffolk Regiment during the Malayan 'Emergency.' The main focus of the regiment's work was struggling with Liew Kon Kim of the 4th Independent Company of the Malayan Races Liberation Army. Good Hardback. First Edition 215 pages.
Maxwell was an unusual British administrator in Malaya in that he was the third generation of his family to have been involved as a legal officer in the country. Amidst his duties, he obviously found time to hunt in the Malayan jungles. This book is a collection of his experiences. Very Good Paperback. Reprint. 229 pages. For further details, please see the scanned contents page.
While the termite is generally loathed as a pest that destroys wooden structures, this book, authored by two specialists at The Forest Research Institute Malaysia, introduces the general reader to a wealth of information about the creatures that may help to rehabilitate their reputation to some extent. The reader is taken through the termite's life and characteristics alphabetically with over 40 colour illustrations. New Paperback. First Edition. 59 pages including a bibliography and index.
Over five years the authors collected together a wide range of literature on fungi to be found in Malaysia. The result is this updated guide to Malaysia's fungi for the benefit of those in research and education in the field of mycology and related areas, Each species described includes references to its Substrate/Hosts, Location and a citation of previous research. Near Fine Hardback 556 pages including 22 pages of plates.
In recent years Malaysia has become an eco tourism hotspot because of a plethora of firefly colonies in easily accessible locales. Here the author describes the various species and genera of fireflies that can be found at The Forest Research Institute Malaysia. There is also a guide as to the best spots where they can be found at the institute and elsewhere in the country as well as general information on the insect. New Paperback. First Edition. 27 pages with a glossary and bibliography and some colour photographs.
Although obviously a PR effort by the Malaysian Timber Council, the book is a useful and extensive introduction to the diversity to be found in Malaysia's forests. Besides describing the plants to be found there, the book also includes accounts of the animals, people and products of the forests as well as explaining how the forests are managed and what future is in store for them. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition. 200 pages with a bibliography, index and many colour photographs.
This classic work on butterflies in peninsular Malaysia is divided into three parts - Part I - Introduction, Part II - Discussion of the Species & Part III - A Synonymic List of the Butterflies of the Malay Peninsula. All of the species have detailed descriptions of habits and habitats and many are illustrated either in in the 55 plates of line drawings and black and white and colour photographs at the end of the book or in line drawings in the course of the book. 537 pages with a general index, a scientific index and an index of English names. Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket Revised Second Edition
Malaysia is host to over one hundred species of fruit. In this illustrated guide the authors select a range of well known and not so well known varieties for horticulturists, gardeners, farmers and tourists. There is a special emphasis on encouraging readers to attempt to expand the country's fruit stock with three chapters on planting and maintenance. Very Good hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket 126 pages plus indices to common and botanical names.
The classic work on the trees of Malaya completed by Corner while he was Assistant Director of the Botanical gardens, Singapore between 1929 and 1945. The first edition was published almost as the Japanese were arriving on the peninsula. The first volume is divided into four parts. Part I - Is a general description of the different types of trees to be found in Malaya, Descriptive terms, the different types of vegetation to be found and trees more common in particular states, Part II - Keys to Identification of Trees, Part III Descriptions of Families, Genera and Species & Part IV - Indices to English names, Malay Names, Botanical Names and to Botanical and Descriptive Terms. 772 pages. There are numerous line drawings interspersed within the text of the first volume. The second volume contains 228 black and white plates and an index of the plates. Very Good Hardbacks. in Good Dust Jackets. Second Edition. Originally published in 1940
The contributors demonstrate that Islam has a role to play in preserving the world's natural habitat. New Paperback. First Edition. 94 pages with a bibliography.
At the time of publication, 109 species of lizard were known to inhabit the island of Borneo. This pocket guide covers 73 of those species with the scientific name, maximum size, and notes on identification, biology and distribution for each of these. Fine Paperback. First Edition 81 pages.
A guide to the turtles, tortoises and terrapins of Malaysia. Each of the 25 species are described with at least one colour photograph and information on identification, scientific names, its global and local distribution, its natural history and conservation status. New Hardback in a New Dust Jacket. 151 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
A handy pocket guide to the more common birds to be found on the Malaysian peninsula and in Singapore. 252 of the 690 known species in the area are covered. The various species are helpfully sorted into groups according to their general outline to enable the user to find what they're looking for more easily. There is also an index and guide to spots where the birdwatcher is most likely to find birds. Very Good Paperback. Reprint 144 pages.
A photographic journey through the wildlife areas of Malaysia. 208 pages with many colour photographs and an index Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. Reprint. Originally published in 1990.
The author, a biochemist, marine scientist and experienced photographer, spent most of his leisure hours on Malaysia's varied coral reefs. This book is the culmination of years of study where he introduces the reader, through informative text and a wealth of colour photographs, to just about everything one needs to know about a little recorded aspect of Malaysia's natural beauty. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition. 196 pages with a bibliography and an index.
Six of Maugham's stories set in Malaya with an introduction by Anthony Burgess. 186 pages. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. Very Good Paperback. Reprint
A novella from one of Singapore's leading writers. The story follows the ups and downs of a romance, that starts with a leap year proposal, between two young Singaporeans. New Paperback Reprint Originally published in 2003. 195 pages.
A collection of 17 short stories in English from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, considered to be a representative sample of writing in these countries today. New Paperback. First Edition. 162 pages.
A novel set in Malaya during World War II. Fictional stories of the country's inhabitants are interwoven with real events, where, despite the upheavals, lives of excitement, love, toil and tragedy somehow carry on. The novel's message is the meaningless of war and the fleeting nature of military victory. New Paperback. First Edition 296 pages.
A collection of 21 new short stories by authors from Malaysia, Singapore and elsewhere. New Paperback. First Edition. 224 pages. For a list of authors, please see the scanned back cover.
An English translation of the Malay language novel which is based around a speech given by the main character, Mr. H, at the Irish embassy. In his speech Mr. H recounts his experiences of walking, where he meets literary greats, such as James Joyce, and others. Very Good Paperback. First English Language Edition. 156 pages.
A novel of life in the medieval jungles of Malaya before "the white man took a hand", according to one book reviewer. Ending with a farewell poem to Malaya from Clifford as he set off to take up his colonial duties elsewhere. 407 pages.
Although the book was not received well in colonial circles at the time it was published, because of its perceived anti-British bias, the book remains one of the best known novels written about the Malayan 'Emergency.' The author was married to a British police officer at the time the book was written and the main British character in the book is portrayed as a kind man uncomfortable with his job of suppressing an uprising which Han Suyin portrayed in a sympathetic light. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. Reprint 319 pages.
Like many of Conrad's novels this one was set in the Malay Archipelago where the author had spent impressionable years as a seaman in his youth. The novel has the distinction of being one of his first popular successes and the one that gave him some financial security. The story involves adventure, drama, powerful relationships fulfilled and troubled by the power of love. Good Paperback. Reprint. 410 pages editied and with an introduction, notes and a glossary by Robert Hampson
A thriller that starts in the UK and moves to Malaysia. Taylor Armstrong comes to Malaysia to asses his employer's latest acquisition only to find himself caught up in a drama involving sex, drugs, violence and a shadowy white supremacist group bent on overthrowing the British state. Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. Signed by the Author. 527 pages.
An award winning collection of thirteen sort stories by the noted Malayan dramatist, novelist and poet. He often wrestles with the problems of identity of Malaysian Indians, but also of their fellow Malaysians. Full of humour and symbolism. Very Good Paperback. First Edition 231 pages.
A collection of short stories written by the author, a British colonial officer, illustrating a way of Malayan life that he saw fast disappearing. Written between 1896 and 1899. Good Hardback. Reprint Originally published in 1899. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. 252 pages.
A collection of six of Maugham's stories set in British Malaya. Good Paperback. Reprint Originally published in 1926. 311 pages. For further details, please see the scanned contents page.
A couple of British surgeons on holiday in Singapore find their relationship is transformed from mutual contempt to a fully fledged romance. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 188 pages
Mak Yong is a traditional form of Malay dance performed in Northern Malaysia and Southern Thailand. The performances are usually based on Hindu myths. This is the retelling of one of those myths. New Paperback. First Edition. 80 pages with illustrations by Walid Muhammad.
Although the predominant Islamic discourse and practice in Malaysia appear to have been taking on more 'traditionalist' trappings in recent years, this book highlights a contrary trend, the advocacy for women's rights based on Muslim teachings. Spearheading this challenge has been the Sisters in Islam, a non governmental organisation of professional women promoting justice and equality. Through integrating piety and reason they continue to demonstrate how women can take their place at the centre of Islamic life in the country. Good Paperback. First Edition. 330 pages with references and an index.
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia has over 2,000 plant species on which they conduct continuous research for botanical and conservation purposes. In the course this research the institute's staff have also been seeking to identify plants which have medicinal properties. This two volume work publishes the results of the research with respect to 30 medicinal forest species. Botanical information, distribution, traditional uses, pharmacology, phytochemicals, chemical fingerprints and photos of each of these species is included in this work. New Hardbacks. First Editions with indices and glossaries. 113 & 163 pages. For further details of the species included please see the scanned contents pages
A history of Malaya from the fall of Melaka to the Dutch in 1641 up to Malayan independence almost three centuries later. The book also includes occasional references to relevant parts of the history of other parts of Southeast Asia, in so far as those countries affected Malayan history during the period. Good Hardback. First Edition. Volume Two only. 237 pages with time charts, a bibliography, an index, some line drawings and maps and about 14 black and white plates
Wright was in the habit of doing PR for the British colonies. He tackled Malaya after his successful volumes on Western Australia, Natal and Ceylon. His role was mainly as editor while he left it to a collection of British contributors with country experience to contribute the main chapters of the book. The result is an unrivalled review of the country's affairs at the time it was first published in 1908. The articles are illustrated with extensive black and white plates on almost every page. Very Good Hardback First Edition. 959 pages. The articles include The Straits Settlements, The Federated Malay States, Christmas Island, The Cocos-Keeling Islands and Labuan, The Present Day, List of Governors and High Commissioners, The Population of Malaya - Mrs Reginald Sanderson, The Malays of British Malaya - B.O. Stoney, Malay Literature - R.J. Wilkinson, Native Arts and Handicrafts - L. Wray, Fauna - HC Robinson, Sport - Theodore R Hubback, Constitution and Law, Railways, Botany - HN Ridley, Agriculture - R Derry, Rubber - JB Carruthers, Mining, Fisheries, Meteorology, Geology - JB Scrivenor & Harbours.
When the British East India Company gained a foothold in Singapore at the beginning of the 19th century, the island's fortifications were an immediate priority, mainly against competing European colonial powers in the region. Once the hinterland of the Malay peninsula fell under British control as well, these fortifications remained an important protection from potential attacks from the sea. In this book, Clements sets out a detailed history of how the fortifications developed and the use to which they were put until the departure of the British. New Hardback in a New Dust Jacket. First Edition. 199 pages with a bibliography, index, a gazetteer of forts and batteries and several illustrations.
As in most countries, much of Malaysia's oral and written history has been the captive of myth, firstly in the hands of bards and court scribes, then successively in the writings of colonial and post colonial propagandists. So naturally the bits that do not quite fit the prevailing myth get lost. In this book, a collection of previously published articles, the author brings to the fore lesser know episodes and characters in the country's history to shake up the myths and maybe get a bit closer to reality. New Paperback. Reprint. Originally published in 2002. 277 pages with some black and white plates.
The history of Malaysia told in more than 1,200 pictures sourced from national and private collections. Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition 340 pages.
Following on from the success of his 'Golden Khersonese', Wheatley here distills his findings on ancient Malaya for the benefit of secondary school students. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. First Edition .254 pages
The author who fought with the British army, both in the Malayan 'Emergency' and in the Konfrontasi with Indonesia in Borneo, reviews counter-insurgency tactics in both arenas. He argues that the British were more successful than the US forces in Vietnam because they placed greater emphasis in winning the hearts and minds of civilians caught up in the conflict. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. 112 pages with a bibliography, maps and some black and white photographs.
The author was in charge of a Gurkha company that specialised in operating deep inside Indonesian territory during the Konfrontasi/Confrontation between Malaysia, supported by Commonwealth forces, and Indonesia. Based on this personal diaries, Bullock recounts with humour and care the difficult nature of these operations, the existence of which were officially denied at the time. Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition. 182 pages with six maps.
A review of the United States' past relationship with Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore shortly after the formation of Malaysia. In the course of this analysis the author describes the economic, political and social backgrounds of each country and projects the potential for the future development of the relationship. Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. First Edition. 267 pages with an index.
An informative, funny and depressing random collection of facts about Malaysia past and present with line illustrations throughout. Did you know the ingredients of a halal Ramly Double Special Cheese Burger, how people of Kelantan traditionally choose a site for their home, how many times and to what extent the Malaysian time zone has changed or the charm that could work wonders if you have swallowed a fish bone? All the answers to these and more are here. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket 160 pages
A collection of humourous and cheeky sketches about Malaysian life. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 55 pages with many cartoon illustrations.
Chanderbali, a Guyanan historian, came to write this study after noting the similarities between the indenture system practiced by British planters in the West Indies and the system practiced in the early days of the British presence in Malaya. That was hardly surprising since some of the earlier planters in Province Wellesley, a piece of land acquired by the British in 1800 from the Sultan of Kedah to produce food for neighbouring Penang, were from the West Indies and Mauritius. This work fills a gap in migrant history scholarship since previous works on Indian migrant labour in Malay a have usually mentioned the indenture system and how it worked in passing. New Paperback. First Edition 232 pages. The contents include the following chapters I - Indian Indenture System Evolution and Structure, II - Conflicting Interpretations of Indian Indenture, III - The Straits Demand for Indian Indentured Labour, IV - The Transition to Regulated Indenture, V - Recruitment, VI - The Emigration Process, VII - The Conditions of Labour, VIII - Wages, IX - Housing and Health. There are also tables, maps, a glossary, appendices, a bibliography and an index
The majority of Malaysians of Indian origin are descendants of labour imported by the British to work in plantations and wherever else hard labour was needed. Because they were bonded labourers or had their lives strictly controlled by their employers in other ways, the Tamil community had less opportunity to strike out on their own, compared to, for example, Chinese immigrants. As a result the Indian community, in many ways still considers itself marginalised in Malaysia today. This book mainly traces Malaysian Indian politics from the end of World War II to the evolution of Hindraf, a coalition of non governmental organisations seeking justice for Malaysian Indians. New Paperback. First Edition. 303 pages with a bibliography.
One particular feature of British colonialism was to import low skilled, but hard working, subjects from one part of the British Empire to another. India was the principal source of such labour that was sent to other colonies in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In this study the author analyses the histories of such exports to Burma and Malaya. She looks at questions such as how both the new arrivals and indigenous adapted to each other, how Indian cultural practices were affected and why the Indian population in Burma declined while it flourished in Malaya Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust jacket. First Edition. 344 pages with a bibliography and an index.
Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan state, had a small European community from at least the beginning of the 20th century onwards. This booklet contains the results of Corfield's survey of the cemetery for the community with maps, photographs, transcriptions of gravestones and brief biographies of some of those laid to rest there. New Paperback. 24 pages with an index.
A facsimile reprint of Hamilton's selection of a thousand words that should enable one 'to converse with any Malay-speaking individual on any topic.' The Malay spellings are from before the 1972 spelling reforms. Very Good Paperback. Reprint Fifth Edition.
A fairly technical account of language use in the Malaysian home. With case studies of intra and inter generational conversations in various languages, the contributors tease out the norms of family discourse in a multicultural society. The research for the book took place in Kuala Lumpur. Good Paperback. First Edition. 194 pages.
A phrase book mainly aimed at speakers of Bahasa Malaysia and English to encourage them to learn the language spoken by the indigenous peoples of the Labuk-Sugut area of Sabah. Very Good Paperback. 113 pages.
A massive 890 page review of Malay literature divided into the following parts - I - Old Malay Literature, II & III- Early Islamic Literature, IV - VI Classical Literature, VII - Poetry of the Classical Period & VIII -Muslim Hagiography and Sufi Literature. There is also an extensive bibliography and an index. As New Hardback
This is the autobiography of a scholar and resident of Malacca in the 19th century. He was an associate of several East India Company officers, including Raffles, and so provides a rare account, from a local viewpoint, of the time when the British were rapidly extending their influence on the Peninsula. This is the first volume, excluding the smaller Volume II. This edition has been transcribed and transliterated into the Rumi script by WE Shellabear. Good Paperback. Second Edition. 171 pages
The annotated Malay text of a literary work that recounts the story of Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah, half-brother of the martyrs of Shiism, Hasan and Husayn. The tale was read by Malay warriors to get their spirits up during the siege of Melaka by Portugal. It is evidence of the influence of Shiism in the Malay Archipelago in this period. Good Paperback. First Edition. 319 pages with a bibliography and indices of names and words.
A couple of academics, a translator and a bookseller share share their thoughts on the state of Malaysian literature. In doing so the contributors look at most aspects of the trade from writing through to sales and distribution. New Paperback. First Edition. 141 pages.
A collection of essays on the history and criticism of Malaysian literature. The book is in Bahasa Malaysia. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition 287 pages with a bibliography.
This simple introduction to Malay manners and customs as they were in the mid twentieth century uses stories of family life to illustrate the author's message. The stories are interspersed with line drawings. Very Good Paperback. First Edition 33 pages. Chapters include - 1 - Meeting and Greeting, 2 - At Home, 3 - Harvest Time, 4 - The Wedding, 5 - Friday Prayers & 6 - A Birth and Funeral.
A bibliography compiled by a noted Southeast Asian scholar to assist with the UNESCO Study of Southeast Asian Cultures. The work covers literature mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, but also works from Brunei, Singapore and Thailand are included,. Very Good Hardback. First Edition 456 pages with both an author and a culture index.
A collection of articles by the well known journalist and lawyer about individuals' experiences in adapting to a changing Malaysia. Raslan's work has continued to win critical approval. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition 182 pages
Despite Singapore's departure from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, Singapore's leading newspaper's annual review of life in both countries, apart from a leading article reviewing the break up by Professor Wang Gungwu, looked very similar to past annuals when Malaysia and Singapore were one country. With numerous black and white and colour photos, First Edition 140 pages of which about 100 are articles by well known writers of the time. The remainder are advertisements. Please see photo of the contents page for a list of the articles. Very Good Magazine
A collection of previously published newspaper articles, where Teh humourously manages to capture the variety of her own life as a homemaker brining up four children as well as Malaysian life in general. Very Good Paperback
In this major enterprise 51 contributors set out to present a comprehensive survey of the city of Melaka from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The book is divided into the following sections 1 - The Historical Context and Ecological Setting; 2 - The History of Melaka, 3 - The Territory of Melaka, 4 - Melaka Town, 5 - Ethnic Diversity in Melaka, 6 - The Modernization of Melaka & 7 - An Interpretive Summary. Very Good Hardbacks in Fair Dust Jackets. 784 pages with figures, tables, 55 black and white plates, a catalogue of historical maps, prints and drawings, a bibliography and an index.
This is not so much a historical account of Albuquerque's conquest of Malacca, but rather a poem written just over a hundred years after the event. The main purpose was to inspire Portuguese of the 18th century to emulate the feats of their ancestors. 234 pages including a bibliography and glossaries. Very Good Hardback in a similar Dust Jacket.
The Parsis, originally refugees from persecution in Persia, but settled in India for centuries, are one of the world's smallest ethnic and religious communities. Yet their beneficial impact on their host communities usually far exceeds their size. So it has been in Singapore where Parsis have settled since the 19th century. This book is the first comprehensive history of that community and includes some of their little known recipes. Near Fine Soft back. First Edition. 256 pages
Malaysia's Orang Asli, indigenous people, are swept to the margins of both Malaysia's and the rest of the world's public consciousness. For example in a Malaysian poll mentioned in this book 88% of respondents incorrectly thought that the orang asli lived in reserves and even 14% thought they lived in trees. Four ethnographers of international standing, Robert Knox Dentan, Kirk Endicott, Alberto G. Gomes and MB Hooker teamed up to to redress our lack of information and so raise our awareness of the first Malaysians. This 175 page book includes chapters on Orang Asli Before Development; Government Intervention; Development, Destruction and Encroachment; Regroupment and Islamization and The Future of the Orang Asli. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition
In 1931 Pat Noone, the author's brother, settled with the Temiar people, one of Malaysia's indigenous tribes, by going into the jungle to live with them and married a Temiar wife. When the Japanese invaded Malaya ten years later, Noone and the Temiar retreated into the jungle and no more was heard of him. In this book the author relates his experiences of reconnecting with the Temiar during the Malayan 'Emergency' to try to discover his brother's whereabouts. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. 212 pages with several black and white plates and an index.
A history of one of the most historically important states of Malaysia. Linehan traces the state's history from earliest times to the end of the 19th century. New paperback. Reprint. Originally published in 1936. 218 pages with seven black and white plates.
Beighton was born into a missionary family in Penang in 1822 and became a missionary himself. In this book he recalls his experiences of the island less than a century after Francis Light's arrival. Being a missionary many of the descriptions refer to the lives and customs of the non-British residents of the island. Good Hardback. First Edition. 225 pages with 11 black and white illustrations, including a map.
This book was produced for the 30th anniversary of the Star, once a Penang newspaper, but now a national one as well. Instead of devoting itself to the newspaper's history, the book reviews the history of Penang itself from when it was established as a trading port by the British in the late eighteenth century until the early 20th century. With a wide range of old photos accompanied by informative text from some heritage heavyweights. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. Very Good Hardback. First edition. 149 pages.
Established in 1884, this botanical garden of over 70 acres remains one of the main attractions of Penang. Here the noted naturalist, RE Holttum, takes the reader on almost a step by step tour of the gardens and what they contained just before World War II. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 50 pages with various black and white plates and a fold out plan of the garden.
A mystery based in Penang, Malaysia. "Non-Stop Action From Beginning to End" according to the publisher's blurb. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 208 pages.
This third edition of probably Penang's best selling guide book was written by one of the island's best known scholar activists whose campaigning was partly responsible for the island's capital, George Town, being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highly readable, but well researched text is backed up by colour photographs and maps of one of the more vibrant multicultural city centres in Asia which comes to life in this 190 pages book. Very Good Paperback. . Originally published in 1993
Although the visitor to Penang may find this difficult to believe, there are still significant parts of the island which are either forested or given over to agriculture. This book of 18 trails was put together by dedicated walkers in the 1990s to introduce others to the greener parts of Penang. Very Good Paperback Second Edition. A slightly larger first edition was published in 1991. 103 pages with two appendices, including one on how to deal with dangerous creatures and plants.
A detailed guide to one of Penang's principal attractions. The book not only covers the gardens' history, but also provides authoritative information on the various sections and the plants to be found there. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 96 pages with many colour photographs and illustrations.
Khoo Salma Nasution, the well know Penang historian and activist, and Malcolm Wade, arguably the king of Malaya post card collectors, make a perfect pairing to present the largest ever collection (over 700) of postcards of prewar Penang ever assembled. In a time when even ordinary cameras were possessions of the privileged, the postcard was the most common method of photographically recording both the picturesque and the commonplace in daily life. This massive collection of black and white and colour (hand-painted) photographs is matched by Khoo Salma's informative text. Very Good Hardback. First Edition 304 pages.
Fong, one of Malaysia's top photographers and a son of Penang, presents us with his own idiosyncratic photo essay about the island. Amongst the myriad of photo books produced about the island, this one is unusual in that in concentrates more on the natural features of the island than on its architectural heritage. Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket 160 pages.
A photographic tour of Penang. Very Good Hardback. Signed by the Author First Edition. 79 pages with many colour photographs by RC Crock.
The purpose of this work was to catalogue the extant painting and prints of Penang from the 1770s until the nearly a hundred years later when photography arrived. After research in Museums in Malaysia and Singapore, India Office Library in London and amongst private collections, Lim was able to assemble more than 160 paintings, prints and sketches which are now reproduced, mostly in colour, for this book. Each of the items are annotated by annotated by the author, a noted architect and conservationist of his time. 236 pages. including a bibliography. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust jacket. Signed by the Author First
This work details the changes that took place in the state of Perak, the first Malayan state to fall under British colonial control, from the Pangkor Treaty onwards. From careful examination of land and other historical records the author has been able to discover how a mainly rice growing economy was harnessed to meet new British colonial objectives. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 230 pages The contents include - I - Colonial Land Policy in Perak, 1874-97, II - The Peasant Padi Economy, III - The Plantation Agricultural Economy, IV - Perak's Dual Agriculture: Concept and Practice & V - Political and Economic Effects of Colonial Land Policy on Development. There are also appendices, a Glossary, a note on sources, a bibliography and an index
Kota Anson, renamed Teluk Intan in 1981, was an important town in opening up of Lower Perak to rubber plantations from the late 19th century onwards. This booklet contains the results of Corfield's survey of the cemetery for the community with maps, photographs and transcriptions of gravestones of some of those laid to rest there. New Paperback. 20 pages with an index.
The Babas and Nyonyas, or Straits Chinese, are the descendants of early Chinese immigrants and their Malay host community. In the course of time their culture has evolved into a heritage distinct from their Chinese and Malay compatriots in Malaysia and Singapore. One of the central features of this culture was the wedding which used to take place over several days, but now occasionally takes place in an abbreviated form. This book is the result of of oral and written research by the author so as to reconstruct such weddings through informed text and colour illustrations. New Paperback Reprint 110 pages.
Ismail Hashim was one of Malaysia's best known photographers. This catalogue, in Malay and English, accompanied an exhibition of his work held after his death. It consists of a wealth of photographic material found in his studio and other works loaned by collectors. New First Edition Paperback. 110 pages with photographs
A collection of colour photographs of Malaysia taken from the air by Guido Alberto Rossi and Tara Sosrowardoyo. Revised edition Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. 160 pages .
The beautiful output of ten years travelling to "every accessible corner of Malaysia" by the photographer Hans Hoefer. With text by Peter Hutton. Very Good Hardback First Edition 208 pages. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. Very Good Hardback First Edition
A collection of poems, most of which have been previously published in distinguished literary journals in Singapore and elsewhere. New Paperback. First Edition. 56 pages.
A collection of the award winning author's poems in the original Malay with English translations. Very Good Paperback. First Dual Language Edition. 167 pages.
This is the first anthology of Dharmawijaya's poetry in English. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 189 pages.
A collection of 50 poems by this award winning poet. The original Malay poems are accompanied by English Translations. Very Good Paperback. First English Language Edition. 125 pages.
Fascinated by the Southeast Asian politics, the author was particularly interested in the political perceptions and activities of villagers in Southeast Asia. In this book, he examined the patterns of political involvement in a Malay village, Sungai Raya and focused on the villagers' political awareness, key sources of political information, opinions of the major parties and federal government and participation in national politics. . 150 pages with glossary, bibliography, index, maps and some black and white photos Very Good Hardback. First Edition.
A collection of previous published pieces by one of Malaysia's best known politicians and lawyers. He has had a chequered political career as both a Government Minister and now a supporter of the opposition. He argues for more transparency and freedom of expression. Good Paperback. First Edition. 364 pages.
As Gomez points out in his preface, the Malaysian political scene is unusual in that, whereas in many other countries business tries to buy influence with politicians, in Malaysia politicians, particularly the Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition at the time of publication, actually own businesses. This trend, which started in the 1970s, led to many financial scandals from the start and culminated in the 1MDB scandal of the early 21st century. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 106 pages with a bibliography.
This book is based on the collection of the late Milo D Rowell, who started collecting Japanese occupation stamps, when he was with the US armed forces in Tokyo immediately after World War II. Through a wide range of connections in the Japanese philately world and elsewhere in the next 40 years he became arguably the world's leading expert on Japanese occupation issues. Fine Hardback in a Fine Dust Jacket. 327 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
Malaysia has often been held out as an example of a progressive Muslim in a world where more dogmatic forms of Islam hold sway. In this book, Liow effectively dismantles this view as wishful thinking as he shows how democracy has been eroded in recent years as parties dependent on the majority Malay community vie with each other in being more Islamic than the other in an effort to bolster their vote at the ballot box. New Hardback in a New Dust Jacket. First Edition. 263 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
This is a history of the Shuang Lin Monastery was the earliest Chinese Buddhist monastery on the island and still one of the largest of such communities. A central part of this account is the role played by the monastery in raising funds to build the Burma Road, a lifeline for the Chinese resistance during the Sino-Japanese war. The abbot, the Venerable Pu Liang, paid a price for this, as he was taken away when the Japanese took Singapore and was never seen again. With a Foreword by Leon Comber Near Fine Paperback. 98 pages with many black and white photographs.
This book updates Gullick's previous history of Malaysia's capital city to the eve of World War II. Unlike his previous work this book is annotated so as to enable the reader to consult the relevant primary sources, if the the need should arise. 264 pages with a further 32 black and white photographs. For further details, please see the scanned contents page. New Paperback. Reprint
A mainly pictorial celebration of the first 30 years on the throne of the Sultan of Selangor, the most prosperous state in Malaysia. The text is full of incisive analysis. For example one of the captions to a set of pictures reads, "In order to be with his (people)...HRH is willing to to go by boat, ride a bicycle, and even walk.' Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. First Edition. 434 pages with numerous black and white and colour photographs including many from the sultan's private collection.
The war memoirs of a Singaporean who was part of a group that escaped Malaya when the Japanese took over to be trained elsewhere to return to Malaya to carry out acts of sabotage behind Japanese lines. Very Good Paperback. Revised Edition. 324 pages
Even today it is difficult for many middle-aged Malaysian Chinese to find much that's attractive in the Japanese, who reportedly killed as many as 100,000 from this community during their occupation of Malaya. Their mass executions of civilians began in February 1942 in Singapore. This dispassionate account of these events and the subsequent war trials of those involved is based on both documentary and oral evidence from those who survived. Near Fine Paperback 133 pages including a bibliography.
This large folding map that not only gives detailed accounts in text and pictures of the principal battles during the Japanese conquest of Malaysia, but also gives a day by day chronicle of events from the start to finish of the 70 day operation. Very Good Map
The award winning account of the author's imprisonment under the Japanese, his life after the war and his meeting with one of his captors. Good Paperback., Reprint. 276 pages
Following on from the success of the Best of Singapore Erotica , Monsoon Books decided to cast their net across the rest of Southeast Asia. The editor's biggest surprise was the number of 'captivating submissions from supposedly puritanical Malaysia". Besides four stories from Malaysia, there is one from Indonesia, three from the Philippines, six from Thailand and another five from Singapore. The authors include John Burdett, Lee Ee Leen, Stephen Leather, Amir Muhammad and Annabel Pagunsan amongst others. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 263 pages.
Articles include - .AFL BEESTON: Nemara and Faw; AFL BEESTON:: Some observations on Greek and Latin data relating to South Arabia; URI RUBIN : Abu Lahab and Sura CXI; AHARON LAYISH and AVSHALOM SHMUELI: Custom and shari'a in the Bedouin family according to legal documents from the Judaean Desert; RODERIC H. DAVISON: The 'Dosografa ' church in the treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca; R. K. SPRIGG: The Golok dialect and Written Tibetan past-tense verb forms; HENRY SERRUYS : More about the Otoy salt lakes; A.. C. GRAHAM: The Nung-chia 'School of the Tillers' and the origins of peasant Utopianism in China; R. J. HAYWARD: Bayso revisited: some preliminary linguistic observations-II Near Fine Paperback,.205 pages First Edition
Bulletin of The School of Oriental and African Studies LVI Part 1 (1993) RM60
Articles include - GABRIEL R. WARBURG: The Condominium revisited: the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan 1934-1956: a review article; KATE FLEET: The treaty of 1387 between Murad I and the Genoese; VANESSA MARTIN: Religion and state in KhumainT's Kashf al-asrdr; HANS BARKER and HARUNAGA ISAACSON: The Ramtek Inscriptions II: The Vakataka inscription in the Kevala-Narasimha Temple; M. B. EMENEAU and KAUSALYA HART: Tamil expressive with initial voiced stops; JUDITH MAGEE BOLTZ: Notes on modern editions of the Taoist Canon; MING-WOOD LIU: The Chinese Madhyamaka practice of p'an-chiao: the case of Chi-Tsang. Near Fine Paperback,.229 pages First Edition
Articles include - Grammatical Shift for Rhetorical Purposes: Iltifāt and Related Features in the Qur'ān- M. A. S. Abdel Haleem; The three faces of the Arabic participle in Negev Bedouin dialects: continuous, resultative, and evidential - Roni Henkin; The Loss of the person-marker t- In Jibbali and Socotri - David Testen; French mercenaries in the Habsburg-Ottoman war of 1593–1606: the desertion of the Papa garrison to the Ottomans in 16001 - C. F. Finkel; Prabodhānanda, Hita Harivaṃśa and the Rādhārasasudhānidhi - J. K. Brzezinski; The Bamboo Annals revisited: problems of method in using the Chronicle as a source for the chronology of Early Zhou. Part 2: The congruent mandate chronology in Yi Zhou shu - David W. Pankenier; Hausa glottalic consonants: a laryngographic study1 - Geoffrey Lindsey, Katrina Hayward, Andrew Haruna. Very Good Paperback 229 pages First Edition
Articles include - Court ceremonial and marriage in the Sumerian epic ‘Gilgamesh and Huwawa’ - Bendt Alster; The original sin in Arabic poetics1 - Amidu Sanni; The Zaydī tribes of the Yemen: a new field study - R. B. Serjeant; The nature of the Akhbārī/Uṣūlī dispute in late Ṣafawid Iran. Part 1: ‘Abdallāh al-Samāhijī's ‘Munyat al-Mumārisīn’1 - Andrew J. Newman; Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī: from Benares to Braj - J. K. Brzezinski; Notes on an English translation of the Yogasūtrabhāṣyavivaraṇa - Tuvia Gelblum; The rise of metafiction in China - Y. H. Zhao. Near Fine Paperback 204 pages First Edition
Articles include - Some lexiographical problems of Jewish Palestinian Aramaic1 - Rudolf Macuch; The dating of the ‘Earthquake of the Sabbatical Year’ of 749 C.E. in Palestine1 - Yoram Tsafrir, Gideon Foerster; The polemic about the karāmāt al-awliyā’ and the development of Ṣūfism in al-Andalus (fourth/tenth–fifth/eleventh centuries)1 - Maribel Fierro; The nature of the Akhbārī/Uṣūlī dispute in late Ṣafawid Iran, Part 2: The conflict reassessed - Andrew J. Newman; Shang and Zhou period bronze musical instruments from south China - Gao Zhixi; The Bamboo Annals revisited: problems of method in using the Chronicle as a source for the chronology of early Zhou, Part I - David W. Pankenier; On the dating and nature of verb agreement in Tibeto-Burman1 - Randy J. LaPolla. Near Fine Paperback 198 pages First
Articles include - Tawahhum: an ambiguous concept in early Arabic grammar - R. Baalbaki; Notes on the dialect of the Ḍhafr of north-eastern Arabia - Bruce Ingham; The three groups of particles in the Nirukta1 - Harry Falk; Place names on China's northern frontier - Henry Serruys; An overlooked feature of Malay historical phonology1 - Robert Blust; Indonesian manuscripts in Great Britain: Addenda et corrigenda - M. C. Ricklefs, P. Voorhoeve; On the form and function of pre-pronominal markers in Chadic1 - Zygmunt Frajzyngier. Near Fine Paperback 190 pages First Edition
An off print from The Brunei Museum Journal Vol. I No 1, 1969. This is a review of the role played by cannon in Brunei's history with particular reference to examples that can now be found in the Brunei Museum. These examples include miniature portable cannon for which Brunei was famous in the past. Very Good Paperback. 21 pages plus an additional 15 pages of black and white plates.
The fifth volume of this classic novel in comic form with English and Chinese text. Very Good Paperback 337 pages.
A dictionary of Chinese characters in the simplified form. The dictionary includes 2000 examples of the use of the characters in words, the correct sequence of strokes for each character and the Hanyu pinyin transliterations of the characters. Near Fine Paperback .510 pages
This book was published in conjunction with the Chinese sculptor's exhibitions in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 2011. The text is in Chinese and English. Very Good Hardback. First Edition. 122 pages with numerous colour photographs of the items exhibited.
Four years before the British left Hong Kong, the author chronicles the Sino-British relationship from when it became a colony until preparations were well under way for the territory to be returned to China. Good Paperback. 244 pages. with a map, some black and white plates and an index.
A history of a Masonic Lodge established by the British in Hong Kong. Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. Signed by the Author. 103 pages with a bibliography and some black and white plates.
A collection of colour post cards of Hong Kong depicting the city around about the beginning of the 19th century. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket 96 pages with many colour plates.
This book was published at the instigation of the Hong Kong police mainly to make the police and public aware of the dangers of such secret societies, which then could claim one in six of the population as members. Contrary to popular belief, Hong Kong triads were quite disorganised at the time of publication. Most criminal activities were carried out by small groups of members, rather than the society as a whole. The book is based on interviews with senior triad members arrested by the police. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. Reprint. Originally published in 1960. 306 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page
Hong Kong's Telecommunications Story - Gertrude Layton RM200
The many rare sepia photographs of Hong Kong's early days as a British colony contained in in this book were sourced from libraries and collections throughout the world. Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. 204 pages.
This book was published as Hong Kong entered its last decade as a British colony. It is a collection of historic sepia photographs of Hong Kong as it used to be contrasted with colour photographs of Hong Kong at the time the book was compiled. Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition 147 pages.
The selection is accompanied by explanatory text in Chinese and English. Very Good Paperback. Revised Edition. First published in 1994. 107 pages.
The many rare sepia photographs of Hong Kong's early days as a British colony contained in in this book were sourced from libraries and collections throughout the world. The first volume, ISBN 9789627283010, covers the period 1860-1900 and the second volume, ISBN 9789627283133, covers the period from 1901-1945. Very Good Hardbacks in Very Good Dust Jackets and a Slip Case. 159 & 158 pages
Mysticism amongst the peoples of Java increased markedly after Indonesia gained its independence. Here the author seeks to discover why this happened and the effects of this revival of a deep seated cultural consciousness on the everyday lives of the Javanese. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 150 pages with a bibliography and an index.
An analysis of what made the Japanese economy so successful after the country's recovery from World War II. The author then looks forward to the potential effect of 9/11 on the economy's future growth. Near Fine Paperback. Reprint. Originally published in 2000. 117 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict inspired many passionate treatises and will probably continue to do so. Here is another contribution singling out India for blame. Good Paperback. First Edition. 184 pages.
The author, who knew Jim Thompson well, attempts to piece together the reasons behind Thompson's disappearance in Malaysia in 1967. He went out for a stroll in the Malaysian jungle and neither he nor his remains have ever been found. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 246 pages.
A collection of 23 short stories. The collection has been described as 'the most exciting short-fiction debut in Australian since Peter Carey's' Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. First Edition. 142 pages.
A detailed study of aquarium fish diseases with useful tips on preventative measures and how to apply treatment, when necessary. Very Good Hardback. First Edition. 279 pages with many colour illustrations and an index.
- Each book advertised below includes a brief description of its contents and condition as well as the price in Malaysian Ringgit. If you want a fuller description of a used book's condition, to look at the scanned contents page, if any, and/or to find out the price in USD, please click on the link in blue for the relevant book.
- If you click on a link after the current month and find nothing, the book's been sold.
- Of course, if you want to buy anything you see here, you can either do so from the site or contact me at penangbookshelf@gmail.com.
- This page will be updated constantly until the end of the month.
- The prices shown here hold good for at least this month, but for out of print books, the prices may change in subsequent months.
- All prices include free postage to anywhere in Malaysia and to Singapore.
Malaysia & Singapore – Agriculture
Malaysia & Singapore - Architecture & Engineering
Malaysia & Singapore – Arts & Crafts
An exhibition catalogue accompanying exhibitions by the artist in Penang and Kuala Lumpur in 1997. Very Good Hardback. First Edition. 108 pages including 87 pages of colour plates of the artist's work.
Malaysia & Singapore – Biography & Memoirs
Borneo
The Dusun: A North Borneo Society - Thomas Rhys Williams RM80
Malaysia & Singapore – Business, Economics & Labour
Malaysia & Singapore – Chinese Community & Culture
Malaysia & Singapore - Cooking & Food
The author, a regular writer on food, introduces the reader to a wide range of different cuisines available in Penang together with several recipes. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 160 pages with many colour photographs.
Malaysia & Singapore – Dance & Drama
Malaysia & Singapore – Education
Malaysia & Singapore – 'The Emergency'
The Malayan Emergency Revisited, 1948 - 1960: A Pictorial History - Mohd Azzam Mohd Hanif Ghows RM500
Malaysia & Singapore - Environment, Nature & Wildlife
Established in 1925, The Forest Research Institute Malaysia continues a wide range of activities as the research arm of the country's Forest Department. This book highlights the institute's efforts in protecting endangered trees by means of a pictorial guide of 73 species that are grown in the institute's grounds. Each species is described by text and at least one colour photograph as well as information on its distribution and its threatened status. New Hardback. First Edition. 91 pages with indices to scientific and vernacular names.
A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore - GWH Davison & Chew Yen Fook RM60
Malaysia & Singapore – Fiction
Sylvia Brooke, the consort of the last Rajah of Sarawak, was a prolific writer. Her best known books are either autobiographies or books about the Brooke family. This is her sixth novel. Set in Sarawak, she tells the story of a missionary educated Tamil boy, whose mystic pursuit of a distorted dream of the Annunciation and Immaculate Conception brings him into trouble with the Christian clergy. Good Hardback. First Edition. 258 pages
White Light - Tom Reilly RM100
Malaysia & Singapore - Folklore
Malaysia & Singapore – Gender
Malaysia & Singapore - Health & Medicine
Malaysia & Singapore - History
Malaysia & Singapore – History (Pre-18th Century)
Malaysia & Singapore – History (20th Century)
Malaysia & Singapore – Humour
Malaysia at Random RM50
Malaysia & Singapore – Indian Community & Culture
Kelatan
Malaysia & Singapore – Language & Linguistics
A Tri-Lingual Phrase Book : Sungai (Labuk-Sugut) - Bahasa Malaysia-English - John & Julie King RM120
Malaysia & Singapore – Literature
Malaysia & Singapore – Magic & Popular Religion
The author was 13 when he wrote his first book, The Boy Who Talks to Ghosts, about his adventures in the spirit world. This is that book's sequel, written a year later, more experiences of communing with deceased members of his family and others. New Paperback. First Edition. 145 pages.
Malaysia & Singapore – Malay Community & Culture
Malaysia & Singapore - Media & Journalism
Melaka
Malaysia & Singapore – Minorities
Orang Asli/Indigenous Peoples
The author, a retired UK civil servant, during frequent visits to Malaysia, has built up a long association with the Mah Meri, one of 18 indigenous tribes on the peninsula. He became particularly captivated by their wood carvings, representing various aspects of their spiritual beliefs. Here he showcases an extensive range of their art, while explaining the significance of this art form in their daily lives. New Hardback. First Edition. 253 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
New Paperback RM120
Pahang
Penang
Penang - Margaret Rutnam RM100
A stunning introduction to Penang's heritage with a rich combination of beautiful colour photographs by James Bain Smith, an international artist and photographer and informative and well researched text by Julia de Bierre, a restoration expert who was born and grew up in Penang. The book does not just confine the reader to George Town, the well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, but ventures into other equally captivating parts of the island elsewhere. Very Good Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. Over 500 colour photographs in its 152 pages, 2 pages of maps and a select bibliography.
RM200
The Convent Light Street is the oldest girls school in Malaysia. Established by French Roman Catholic nuns, the school has played a leading role in female education on the island since then. In this book a former old girl recounts the school's history. The book includes details of some of the school's personalities, many black and white photographs and copies of historic documents associated with the school. Very Good Hardback. First Edition. 145 pages.
Edition.
Perak
From 1884 onwards Batu Gajah was made the administrative headquarters of Kinta District, which grew to be the richest district in the Federated Malay States owing to the abundance of tin deposits in the area. The author, whose family settled in the area, traces its history in the first half of the twentieth century based on research in official records as well as accounts of the colourful characters thrown up by the Tin Rush. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 172 pages with some black and white plates and an index. Weight
Malaysia & Singapore - Peranakan/Straits Chinese
Malaysia & Singapore - Photography
Ismail Hashim was one of Malaysia's best known photographers. This catalogue, in Malay and English, accompanied an exhibition of his work held after his death. It consists of a wealth of photographic material found in his studio and other works loaned by collectors. New First Edition Paperback. 110 pages with photographs
Malaysia & Singapore – Poetry
Malaysia & Singapore – Politics
Malaysia & Singapore – Postal History
The Postal History of the Occupation of Malaya and British Borneo - Edward B Proud & Milo D Rowell RM400
Malaysia & Singapore - Religion
Malaysia has often been held out as an example of a progressive Muslim in a world where more dogmatic forms of Islam hold sway. In this book, Liow effectively dismantles this view as wishful thinking as he shows how democracy has been eroded in recent years as parties dependent on the majority Malay community vie with each other in being more Islamic than the other in an effort to bolster their vote at the ballot box. New Hardback in a New Dust Jacket. First Edition. 263 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
Selangor
Malaysia & Singapore – World War II
Operation Matador: World War II: Britain's Attempt to Foil The Invasion of Malaya and Singapore RM200
Although the fall of Singapore is often cited as one of, if not the, worst military disasters in British history, military planners did have plans to counter the Japanese threat. The author gives extensive coverage of these plans and explains why they were as ineffective as they turned out to be. Very Good Paperback. Reprint. 314 pages including conclusion, map and photographs, bibliography and index.
A journalist pieces together the details of one of the more daring commando raids during World War II. After a long sea voyage through enemy waters, the Australian and British team disabled 40,000 tons of Japanese shipping in Singapore harbour. Buoyed by their success, they returned for another raid which was not so successful. Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. 207 pages with some black and white plates and maps.
The award winning account of the author's imprisonment under the Japanese, his life after the war and his meeting with one of his captors. Good Paperback., Reprint. 276 pages
Asia
Bulletin of The School of Oriental and African Studies LVI Part 1 (1993) RM60
Edition
Articles include - A meeting with Maimonides1 - P. B. Fenton; Hebrew verse: scansion and parallax - John Wansbrough; An analysis of major tendencies in the development of the 1 - Judith Rosenhouse; Khums in Imāmī Shī'ī jurisprudence, from the tenth to the sixteenth century A.D. - Norman Calder; Recherches sur les Ottomans et la Moldavie ponto-danubienne entre 1484 et 15201 - Par Nicoară Beldiceanu, Jean-Louis Bacquè-Grammont, Matei Cazacu; A major study on Ottoman architecture in Hungary1 - Géza Fehérvári; God and madman: Guṇḍam Rāuḷ1 - Anne Feldhaus; Implosive d- + y- or r- or h- in Indo-Aryan - R. L. Turner; A note on split ergativity in Burushaski1 - Étienne Tiffou, Yves-Charles Morin; The religious and philosophical significance of the ‘Hsiang erh’ Lao tzu in the light of the Ma-wang-tui silk manuscripts - William G. Boltz; Genealogical manipulation and social identity in Sansanne Mango, northern Togo: an imām-list and the Qasīda of ar-Ra'īs Bādās1 - Edward Graham Norris, Peter Heine. Fine Paperback 232 pages First Edition
In tracing the development of Islamic constitutional thought, the author contrasts Islamic values and Western political thought, traditional Islamic thought and 20th century Islamic thought. He argues that a genuine attempt to build a state on Islamic principles would significantly upset all three schools of thought. New Paperback. Revised Second edition. Originally published in 1991. 192 pages with a selected bibliography and two new sections as appendices.
Articles include - .North Iranian problems - H. W. Bailey; The ergative construction in Kurdish - Theodora Bynon; Toda vowels in non-initial syllables1 - M. B. Emeneau; Contributions to the study of the Jīvaka-pustaka1 - R. E. Emmerick; ‘He cooks softly’: adverbs in Sanskrit grammar1 - Richard Gombrich; Differences in the rituals of the Ṛgvedic families - J. Gonda; Avestan dušərəθrīš (Y 49.I) - F. B. J. Kuiper; The Pěriya purāṇam frieze at Tārācuram: episodes in the lives of the Tamil śaiva saints - J. R. Marr; Überlegungen zur Entstehung der altpersischen Keilschrift - Manfred Mayrhofer; An early testamentary document in Sanskrit - Tarapada Mukherjee, J. C. Wright; Two Pali etymologies - K. R. Norman; Distinction and confusion: a study of neuter plural endings in Middle Indo-Aryan - L. A. Schwarzschild; Tibetan stes, stes-te, etc. and some of their Sanskrit correspondences - Walter Simon; On the plural and dual in Sogdian1 - Nicholas Sims-Williams; Metre and text in western India - John D. Smith; Dī- and uddī- ‘to fly’ in Indo-Aryan - R. L. Turner; Irula riddles1 - K. V. Zvelebil. Fine Paperback,.216 pages First Edition
Articles include - .Writings of Ann K. S. Lambton - R. M. Burrell, D. O. Morgan; Arms and Afghans in Makrān: an episode in Anglo-Persian relations 1905–1912 - R. M. Burrell; Edward G. Browne's Turkish Connexion - Peter Chelkowski; Friday Prayer and the juristic theory of government: Sarakhsī, Shīrāzī, Māwardī - Norman Calder; The terms and conditions under which English trade was transacted with Ṣafavid Persia - R. W. Ferrier; Turkish in pre-Mongol Persian poetry - Tourkhan Gandjeï; The opening up of Qājār Iran: some economic and social aspects; Sīstān in British Indian frontier policy - Ross L. Greaves; Pietro della Valle: the limits of perception - J. D. Gurney; A medieval Persian satirist - A. A. Haidari; The Īlkhān Aḥmad's embassies to Qalāwūn: two contemporary accounts - P. M. Holt; From Jabal 'Āmil to Persia1 - Albert Hourani; On the quietist and activist traditions in Islamic political writing - Bernard Lewis; Food supply and agricultural self-sufficiency in contemporary Iran - K. S. McLachlan; The ‘Great Yāsā of Chingiz Khān’ and Mongol law in the ĪLkhānate - D. O. Morgan; A glass dīnār weight in the name of 'Abd al-'Azīz b. Marwān - A. H. Morton; The great Persian famine of 1870–71 - Shoko Okazaki; The city in modern Arabic literature1 - R. C. Ostle; Gentilics and appellatives: notes on Aḥābīš Qurayš - John Wansbrough; . Fine Paperback,. 251 pages First Edition
Articles include - .Processes of redaction: the case of the Tamīmite delegation to the Prophet Muḥammad - Ella Landau-Tasseron; Notes on the dialect of the Āl Murra of eastern and southern Arabia - Bruce Ingham; The Vedic verb pávate ‘goes, moves, (wind) blows, (Soma) flows' - T. Burrow; Tsong Khapa's Speech of Gold - Paul Williams; The Tibetan verb: tense and nonsense - Bulcsu I. Siklós; Collaborateur versus Abstentioniste (Tu'ờng versus Trị): a political polemic in poetic dialogue during the French acquisition of southern Việt-Nam1 - Jeremy H. C. S. Davidson; Syntactic valency and contextual specialization: the case of -shika in Swahili1 - Torben Andersen, Yahya Ali Omar; Le regard du roi: roman anti-existentialiste?1 - Ursula Fabijančić. . Fine Paperback,. 203 pages First Edition
Articles include - Christian and Muslim Theology as Represented by Al-Shahrastāni and St. Thomas Aquinas - Alfred Guillaume; Materials for South Arabian History Notes on new MSS from Hadramawt - R. B. Serjeant; New Materials on the Tabaqāt al-shu‘arā’ of al-Jumahi - A. J. Arberry; Ma'rūf ar-Ruṣāfi, 1875–1945 - S. A. Khulusi; The Brasses of Badr al-Dīn Lu'lu’* - D. S. Rice; Yasna 45 and the Iranian Calendar - J. Duchesne Guillemin; A Pahlavi Poem - W. B. Henning; The Tumshuq Karmavācanā - H. W. Bailey; The Varṇārhavarṇa Stotra of Māṭreeṭa (I) - D. R. Shackleton Bailey; Studies in the Morphology of Bodic Verbs1 - Robert Shafer; A Transcription for Cantonese Notes on Mr. Yuen Ren Chao's “Cantonese Primer” - K. M. A. Barnett; The Language Problem in the Anglo-Japanese Negotiations of 1854 - W. G. Beasley; A Poem from Siu from the Swahili-Arabic text - Lyndon Harries; Improved Techniques in Palatography and Kymography - J. R. Firth, H. J. F. Adam. . Good Paperback,.259 pages First Edition
This book was written when Japan had already annexed much of China, but before its forays into Southeast Asia. Nevertheless the author expected the British, Dutch, French and US colonies in the area would be Japan's next target. So in 1940 he spent two and a half month in Malaya, Borneo, the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines attempting to gauge their preparedness. This book is his report of what he found. Good Hardback. Reprint. Originally published in 1941. 322 pages with an index.
A phrase book issued to US soldiers at the beginning of the war in the Pacific. Two thirds of the book is devoted to Malay as spoken in the then Dutch East Indies with two smaller sections on Pidgin English and Japanese. The Japanese section is designed to be used with prisoners and almost all the phrases are commands, 'Hands Up!', 'Hurry Up!', 'Answer My Question!' etc. Very Good Card Book. 96 pages.
Ritchie Calder, one of the top science journalists of his time was commissioned by the UN on what would now be called a monitoring mission of UN projects in Borneo, Indonesia, Thailand , Pakistan, India, Nepal and Afghanistan. Very Good Hardback This 251 page book with over 40 black and white illustrations is the report of that mission written as a tale of adventure and exploration. The book is signed with a dedication from the author.
Brunei
China
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Telecommunications Story - Gertrude Layton RM200
Although Hong Kong today is a leading telecommunications hub, it has not always been that way. The author with the help of over a hundred interviewees, with a length of experience in the industry, manages to record the ups and downs, false starts and triumphs from the introduction of the telegraph in the 1870s to the hosting of ITU Telecom World, the international industry's premier event, in 2006. Very Good Hardback in a Fine Dust Jacket. The text is in Chinese and English 200 pages with many black and white and colour photographs.
Indonesia
Japan
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Xtras
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