New Arrivals at The Penang Bookshelf
in
Jul 2022
(Last Updated 21-7-2022)
- 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 orders under 2 kg to Singapore.
Malaysia & Singapore - Agriculture
Lambert's study takes an ethnographic approach to explain the success of the Pahang Malay rice farming system that has been perfected over centuries. The increased rice yields have been brought about as a result of the farmers' own seed selection skills. As a result he argues that methods of indigenous improvement, rather than imported techniques, could be adopted with similar success elsewhere. Good Hardback. 159 pages with figures, a bibliography and an index
Malaysia & Singapore - Anthropology & Sociology
A collection of essays on sociological studies of Singapore life. They cover a) the social structure and divisions within society, b) the basic social institutions, e.g. religion, politics, family and marriage and c) the policies enforced in the country and their effects on social, economic and developmental processes. Good Paperback. First Edition. 608 pages.
At the time of writing Singapore's birth rate matched those of developed countries and its crude death rate was even lower than most countries in the world. In this book Professor Saw Swee-Hock documents how this was achieved not only through Government initiated family planning drives but also the legalisation of abortion and encouragement of sterilisation. He also looks at the effects of these measures on Singapore life. Very Good Hardback. 231 pages with a bibliography and an index Weight: 0.6 kg Post free within Malaysia
Malaysia & Singapore - Architecture
One of Singapore's leading architects, whose designs include the People’s Park and the Golden Mile Complexes sets out his idea for advancing a particularly Asian style of architecture. In order to achieve this he also has suggestions for changes to architectural studies and for reimagining aesthetics generally. New Soft back. First Edition. 330 pages with an index and several colour illustrations.
The Malaysian Institute of Architects/Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia published this guide to 71 buildings of importance in Malaysia's capital city in the hope of encouraging both tourists and residents to take notice of their surroundings. Each subject is accompanied by a black and white photograph and a brief description as to its history. Both colonial and more recent buildings are included. There is a map at the end indicated where these buildings can be found. Very Good Paperback. First Edition.
Malaysia & Singapore - Armed Forces & Policing
This is a history of the volunteer forces, initially made up of British residents, but later of Malayans as well, established to support the regular army and police. The comprehensive history, based mainly on documentary research, covers the period from the Corps' founding, shortly after Chinese riots in Singapore, until shortly before the Japanese invasion of Malaya. The Singapore Corps was the first such body in the British Empire. This is a facsimile of the original edition published in 1938. Near Fine Paperback. Reprint 205 pages with various appendices, black and white plates and an index.
Malaysia & Singapore - Arts & Crafts
This book was published to accompany an exhibition in 2016 of the work of Tan Swie Hian, one of Southeast Asia's most successful artists. It includes more than 100 of his pieces together with selections from the artist's note books. New Hardback in a New Dust Jacket First Edition 256 pages
Malaysia & Singapore -Biography & Memoirs
The celebrated author, brought up in Malaysia and spending his later life in Singapore and Canada, was first introduced to the oddities of European life as a young student in Ireland. It was only in his later years that he decided to prepare this collection of his experiences of Ireland in the 1950s for publication. He managed to graduate from a dismal Irish boarding school to indulge in the literary and cultural pleasures of Dublin, where he took his first tentative steps as a novelist and poet. 196 pages. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details.
The author was a missionary in the Geylang District of Singapore between 1972 and 1989. This his account of life there at the time and the Geyalng Catholic Centre which he ran. He shows a more human side of Singapore than often encountered, where there's a sense of community in the midst of a life challenged by a cramped space, failing infrastructure and efforts to survive. Near Fine Paperback. Reprint Originally published in 2015. 195 pages
A well reviewed account of the life of a wealthy Straits Chinese woman as told by four different members of her family - Pang Siew Peck herself, her son, her granddaughter and her great grandson. The book gives a snapshot of Peranakan life as well as the effects on the family of major historical events from the Japanese Occupation up to Singapore's preparations for independence. Very Good Board Book. First Edition. 157 pages with several family photographs.
This memoir of a British official who served for 24 years in the Sarawak Civil Service, 17 of them under Charles Brooke, the second Rajah. The work is unusual in that it gives an insight into the workings of Brooke's Government, of which little has been written that is not in official government papers. It contains much new material, for example on Brooke's ambitions with regard to neighbouring Brunei. With a preface by Robert M Pringle and Otto C Doering III. Very Good Paperback. 204 pages with one black and white plate.
The author's account of his 17 years in Sabah/North Borneo and Sarawak where he arrived as a civil engineer in 1954. He recalls his time building broads and bridges and a Borneo life that has faded into history. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. Signed. 298 pages with some black and white and colour photographs.
Borneo
This volume contains a collection of articles divided into the following sections: - I. Human Sciences - II. Ceramic Arts - Zoology. Please see scanned contents pages for further details. 249 pages.
Tales from the Baram River - Chuah Guat Eng RM80
The Baram River has been one of the main conduits for communication in Sarawak for centuries. In this book, Malaysia's first female novelist in English, retells six stories from the region's folklore treasury. Most of the stories are about animals. 67 pages. First Edition, Very Good Paperback.
The Living Legends: Borneans Telling Their Tales - Benedict Sandin RM400
In this book the former curator of the Sarawak Museum has collected a wide range of stories from indigenous peoples in Sarawak about life before the changes brought about in the 20th century. 280 pages. For further details, please see the scanned contents page. Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. First Edition.
A collection of black and white photographs of Kuching, the capital of the state of Sarawak, and its environs in 1991. Very Good Paperback. 114 pages.
It has been argued that many former British colonies were only 'pseudo-independant' immediately after the apparent departure of their colonial rulers' departure. The newly independant Malaya, where the economy was dominated by British business, was one such case. White in this study argues that Malayan politicians and administrators soon learned to use British business for their own ends and, in the view of the business owners, frustrated development through poor decision making. Also a growing indigenous and non-British business presence undermined past British dominance. Good Hardback. First Edition. 256 pages with figures, tables, a bibliography and an index.
Malaysia & Singapore - Chinese Community & Culture
'Nanyang' amongst the Chinese means the coastal areas which now form part of the larger area known as Southeast Asia. Here Professor Wang, probably the foremost 20th century academic on the subject of the Chinese diaspora in Nanyang, gives the reader a brief introduction to those who transformed the commercial life of the region. Please see the scan of the contents page for further details. 42 pages. Very Good Paperback First Edition
Fortunately for the lay reader, the author was not an architect or a great expert on Chinese culture when he set out to write his first book on this subject. Rather he was puzzled about how Chinese buildings in Malaysia looked different from the ones he had seen in China, so he set out to unravel the puzzle. The result is this easily readable and well-informed account of how the Chinese adapted their culture to their new surroundings. The book is divided into three parts Offshore Architecture of the Nan Yang Chinese, originally published as' Chinese Architecture in the Straits Settlements and Western Malaya, II - Offshore Chinese Architecture in the Gum Shan (Australia) and III - Chinese Gardens Offshore New Paperback. First Edition 340 pages with many line drawings a glossary, bibliography and index.
Malaysia & Singapore - Cinema, Dance, Drama & Music
The period leading up to Malaya's independence was one where the country's multiculturalism was acknowledged more than it is today. The influences of various cultures were very evident in the popular music of the time. In this book, based on interviews with surviving musicians and documentary research, the author celebrates this fascinating time in the country's musical history. Central to her work is uncovering the origins of the country's current national anthem, 'Negara Ku.' New Paperback. Revised Second Edition 344 pages with a bibliography, index and over 150 illustrations.
Malaysia & Singapore - Constitution, Laws & Legal System
Essays In Singapore Legal History - Kevin Y. L. Tan (ed) RM150
In an effort to stimulate more interest in the short history of Singapore's legal system the author has gathered together a collection of essays to remind readers of how various aspects of the system developed. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 294 pages. For further details please see the scanned contents page.
Malaysia & Singapore - Environment, Nature & Wildlife
Although, according to this book's preface, butterflies aren't mentioned in the Bible, they've captivated everyone else. Raffles and Alfred Russel Wallace were amongst the first Western visitors to marvel at the rich varieties of the species in the Malay Archipelago. This book has ample colour photographs of butterflies in their natural habitat with accompanying text ideal for the new comer without being simplistic. The author was editor of Nature Malaysiana when he wrote this book. 152 pages
The contributors focus their attention on both the Indonesian and Malaysian sections of Borneo island to chart the enormous changes that took place in the environment, inhabitants' lives and in government during the latter stages of the 20th century. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. 291 pages, with figures, tables and maps.
A guide to about 70% of the 40 fig species to be found in Singapore with scientific and identification information as well as colour photographs of each species. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 152 pages with an index.
A handy guide to Malaysia's wildlife with details of the country's parks, game viewing, facilities walks and hikes. There is also a bird-watching check list. Near Fine Paperback. 160 pages with many colour illustrations and maps.
The author was a physiology academic in both Singapore and Malaysia in the 1950s and 1970s. While in the area he became a keen naturalist and contributed to natural history and wildlife magazines. This is a summary of what he found in the wild places of Malaysia. Good Hardback with some colour photographs 151 pages with a bibliography, appendices listing protected species and an index.
This book was written to fill a gap in literature on Southeast Asian moths at the time in an attempt to record as many species as possible before they are lost as a result of deforestation in the region. The author was helped in producing this work by the British Museum and the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology. Good Hardback. First Edition. 305 pages with an additional 50 pages of colour plates and a general and a scientific index.
This monograph is probably one of the earliest examples of an attempt to document most plants growing in the wild in Penang, The list includes those noted by Curtis himself and by earlier collectors. Where possible he indicates where the plant was found. The author was Assistant Superintendent of Forests, Penang at the time. The book ends with a five page essay by the noted botanist, HN Ridley, on the Botanists of Penang Fair Paperback 101 pages
Unlike most modern Asian cities, Singapore has made an effort to maintain gardens and parts in amidst one of the most built up and densely populated areas of the continent. The author not only explains how the green policies are implemented but also provides a guide to these places. Very Good Hardback. First Edition. 65 pages
A collection of articles chronicling the operation of the Medicinal Plants Division at the Institute. The articles cover the discovery of new plants, the division's activities generally, its success stories and future plans. New Paperback. First Edition. 66 pages with some colour photographs.
A monograph seeking to show the importance of looking at rainfall probability when calculating rainfall patterns in Malaya. The author's research is based on reports going back between 20 and 30 years from 41 meteorological stations in the country. Very Good Paperback. First Edition 4 pages plus an additional 17 pages pages of maps and a pull out map at the end.
Malaysia & Singapore - Fiction
A collection of short stories weaving the myths of the cultures of Singapore's citizens, into the stories of every day life in the city. The author who has been a practicing and academic lawyer, Member of Parliament and involved in various charitable causes, is also an award winning writer. New Paperback. Revised Edition
A collection of over 20 short stories by one of Singapore's leading writers of horror and ghost stories. 207 pages. New Paperback.
Set in 1860s Singapore this is a story of two immigrants who arrived in the colony against their will, Oseki a Japanese prostitute and Govid a deaf Indian convict. Their paths cross and from that develops a tale of how longing for home, displacement and helplessness develop into obsessions that do little to enhance their lives. A well reviewed first novel shortlisted for a Singaporean literature prize. New Paperback. First Edition. 317 pages.
The story of two British men running a plantation in Borneo and falling out over accusations of cheating. At least one reviewer has claimed that the book has echoes of Conrad. Unusually, for the time, the author's respect for Bornean culture is more pronounced than most of his contemporaries. Good Hardback. First Edition 255 pages.
A thriller involving the tracking down of a serial killer out to extinguish all criminals who have not been punished by the courts. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 201 pages.
Rusty Mason and his friend, Talib, with the help of Nicholas Piper of the British Secret Service find themselves in a thrilling adventure to break up a terrorist organisation. Very Good Hardback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. 191 pages.
A collection of 11 short stories about Singaporeans either living outside the country or in Singapore but with strong attachments elsewhere. Good Paperback. 209 pages
The second of 4 volumes about the city’s dark side. The 18 short stories tell of what lies underneath the shiny façade of Kuala Lumpur. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 278 pages.
The author's second novel, a romance about a marriage between two people from different cultures. Very Good Paperback. First Edition. 186 pages.
A thriller set in Singapore where a terrorist attempts to extract a US$100 billion ransom from the Government to avoid the terrorist poisoning the country's water supply. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition 312 pages
A retelling of the classic Malay legend of Hang Tuah and his heroic deeds on behalf of the Sultan of Melaka. The text is in Malay. Very Good Paperback. 189 pages.
Malaysia & Singapore - Gender
A collection of short biographies of women of Singapore, from colonial times onwards, written so as to inspire children of today. New Paperback. First Edition 228 pages with many colour illustrations and an index.
A collection of stories by lesbians bisexual women and trans people designed to give a voice for this marginalised group. The stories are in Bahasa Malaysia and English. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 142 pages.
As one might expect in a patriarchal society, the Malaysian women's movement has had its struggles. This book notes the often unreported successes of the movement in introducing new issues into the public discussion and challenging the state. However it also describes how by the late 1990s feminist issues were beginning to be appropriated by the state and the market diluting some of their achievements. New Hardback. First Edition. 219 pages with a bibliography and an index.
Malaysia & Singapore - Geography & Guide Books
One of JM Dent's guides in their 'Outward Bound Library' for 'emigrants and travellers' to the British colonies. 236 pages with about 30 pen and ink drawings by Barbara Shaw. Very Good Hard back First Edition Please see the scan of the contents page for further details.
Malaysia & Singapore - History
Winstedt, a former civil servant and Malay scholar, takes the reader from prehistoric times through to the early 1950s in one of the 20th century classic histories of the country. Very Good Paperback. Reprint. 288 pages with seven black and white plates, a dozen line drawings, a bibliography, an index and eight appendices including four genealogies of Malay royal houses.
A general history of the city state by a noted historian of Southeast Asia. Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. 384 pages. with a bibliography, index, maps and some black and white plates.
Malaysia & Singapore - History (20th Century)
This is a primarily an analysis of the events that led up to Malaya's independence in 1957. While the impact of the Second World War was significant on nationalist aspirations, the unusual mix of different ethnic groups gave rise to a range of visions as to what an independent Malaya would look like. Harper's research seeks to demonstrate just how these different influences, also buffeted by the upheaval of the 'Emergency', increased urbanisation and social change, contributed to the final result. Very Good Paperback. 417 pages with tables, a bibliography and an index.
Malaysia & Singapore - History (19th Century)
This collection of transcriptions of the original manuscript documents was originally assembled by Cowan to provide students at the University of Malaya with a solid core of original sources for their work. They were later published by the MBRAS for the benefit of a wider readership. The documents show that the reasons why Penang's original supremacy gave way to Singapore are quite complex - a result of a mix of commercial, political and personal influences. Good Paperback. First Edition 210 pages with a map and an index.
A collection of 14 letters written by a Singapore resident of mid-19th century Singapore to a friend in England trying to persuade him to join him on the island. In doing so he gives an unusual snapshot of the city at the time from the mundane to the exciting. There is a postscript by the historian John Bastin. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. 135 pages.
Malaysia & Singapore - History (18th Century)
This monograph details the results of excavations on the Malay peninsula to determine the extent of Hoabinhian culture, which flourished in various places in Southeast Asia from c. 10,000–2000 BCE. Published as Volume 30 New Series of the Federation Museums Journal 134 pages with figures, tables, line drawings and black and white plates Very Good Paperback. First Edition
For contents please see scanned contents page. 101 pages with some black and white photographs, line drawings and a map Very Good Paperback. First Edition
Malaysia & Singapore - Humour
A collection of amusing stories about past pupils of the author, a school teacher in Singapore. Near Fine Paperback. First Edition. 144 pages with several line drawings.
Malaysia & Singapore -Indian Community & Culture
A historical novel about the Indian labourers brought to Malaya by the British to work on plantations. New Hardback. First Edition. 186 pages
Kelantan
The author based the is book on various visits to one Malay village in Kelantan over a thirty year period. His initial stay was for 13 months in the early 1970s followed by more than 10 shorter stays of up to a month each. The purpose of the study was to determine how such a village functioned noting its income producing activities, mainly paddy farming initially, lifestyle, land ownership and use, marriage and divorce and population trends among others. New Paperback 297 pages with a bibliography, index, black and white plates, figures and tables.
Malaysia & Singapore - Language & Linguistics
A book written mainly for Europeans to introduce them to the Hokkien dialect, one of the most common Chinese dialects spoken in Malaysia and Singapore. The book covers tones, basic grammar, idioms and a starter's vocabulary. 78 pages. Fair Board Book First Edition
A handbook for self learning of the Malay language up to beginners' primary level. The Malay parts of the text are in Jawi and the Rumi script as it was before the spelling reforms. Good Paperback. Second Revised Edition. 46 pages
A collection of essays looking at the evolution of Singaporean English and the role it plays in language choice, ethnicity and nation building. The collection is particularly interesting as Singapore remains Asia's most anglicised state. New Paperback. 307 pages.
Two articles made as offprints at the time from the Royal Asiatic Society Journals of July 1902 and January 1903 respectively. The first pamphlet discusses the Semang dialects of Northern Malaysia at the end of the 19th century. The second pamphlet is concerned with the dialects spoken in Ambon in Indonesia and by the Makua people in Madagascar. 9 & 12 pages respectively.
This study of the Malay and Tagalog languages concentrates on their respective phonetic and semantic aspects. One of the main purposes of the study, not surprisingly, was to demonstrate the Tagalog language's 'richer vocabulary' and 'superabundance of morphological variants' compared to Malay. Good Paperback. First Edition 92 pages
Malaysia & Singapore - Malay Community & Culture
Generally it is believed that capitalist economic development depersonalizes people's lives and fractures society. In this interesting study the author examines how that premise affects the lives of the Malay community, known to be generous, kind and caring. Over 18 months of her research in the mid 1990s in Kuala Lumpur she came to question many of such assumptions. Good Hardback. First Edition. 233 pages with references and an index.
This study is based on an analysis of Malaysia's best known 26 novels from the 1920s, where Hooker argues the various authors are in the process of attempting to frame a new Malay sense of identity in a time of great change. A principal characteristic of these novels is how they have switched from the traditional concentration on the life of the sultan and his court to the more private sphere or the ordinary Malay in her or his own home. Near Fine Hardback in a Fine Dust Jacket. 492 pages. with a bibliography and index.
Negeri Sembilan
Peletz's study examines how this matrilineal society in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan managed to survive British imperialism, modern market forces and Islamic Malay nationalism during the period of 1830 to 1980. 383 pages including notes, bibliography and index. Fine Paperback
Penang
A brief guide to the main Chinese temples of Penang together with an outline of the importance of various deities. As the author says in his introduction - "We Chinese are not particular about what we worship.' Included are outlines of Buddhist, Taoist and animist practices. Bilingual in Chinese and English. 60 pages with various colour photos and illustrations. Fine Paperback. First Edition Please see the scan of the contents page for further details.
The book covers the history of a welfare organisation set up in Penang in 1888 to rescue and rehabilitate Chinese women and girls trafficked into the island. In the process of laying out the organisation's 89 year history the authors also give insight into the social history of the Chinese in Penang. Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket First Edition181 pages.
Just when one might have had one's fill of stories about Penang's 'heritage', here's a contribution with a difference in that it's written by one of the city's most senior journalists. For a change, the book is not about his life but about some fascinating aspects of Penang that he has managed to unearth in his long career. Most of the stories are two to three pages long and good for either dipping into or for a long concentrated read. With story headings like ' Penang's Pre-War Gold Rush,' 'When Province Wellesley Exported Elephants to India' and ' Bionic Girl', the reader is guaranteed an interesting and, at times, racy read. 282 pages.
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 Good Dust jacket. Signed by the Author First Edition
A collection of popular poetry among the Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew and Peranakan communities in Penang. Near Fine Paperback. Reprint. 118 pages with several humourous line drawings.
Perak
As soon as you open this blockbuster of a book you will notice the familiar evocative brushwork of the artist Chin Kon Yit accompanied by the well informed commentaries of Chen Voon Fee which accompany the work of Chin and the other two illustrators. Editions Didier Millet have stuck with the successful model of their Sketchbook series abandoning the photograph for the brush. The result is a work rich in illustration and information about the buildings of Perak, the second largest state in peninsular Malaysia, from pre-colonial to more modern times.248 pages.
The indefatigable historical data collector reveals who's buried in the European graveyards of Ipoh and Taiping in the state of Perak. The gravestones are transcribed and there are occasional short biographies of the dead. 112 pages with some black and white photographs. Good Paperback.
Malaysia & Singapore - Politics
The essays in this book look at the increasingly important role played by non governmental oprganisations (NGOs) in Malaysian society from the time of the Reformasi movement of the 1990s onwards. Particular attention is paid to the political effects of the movements championing, for example, women's rights, the environment, global peace , Islam and indigenous peoples' rights on the politics of the country. Very Good Paperback. Reprint. First published in 2003. 227 pages with an index.
Malaysia & Singapore - Religion
DeBernardi, best known for her work on Chinese popular religion in Penang, now turns her focus on another aspect of Chinese Penang and Singapore life, its Christian community. She singles out The Brethren, a Protestant congregation, and their offshoots, meticulously describing their influence on Chinese Christianity, not only in these two cities but across Southeast Asia and China. New Paperback. First Edition. 430 pages with a bibliography, index and some black and white plates and maps.
Selangor
A photographic guide to both modern and old Kuala Lumpur, designed as a guide around the city and a keepsake on departure. There are four post cards in the jacket flaps. New Paperback. 160 pages.
Malaysia & Singapore - Sports & Pastimes
A history of the best known club for Europeans for much of the island's history. Even at the time of publication, other races were not much in evidence on the club's governing committee. The history is based on and illustrated by a wide selection of primary materials from past members of the club. 185 pages.
Asia
The ease with which the Japanese advanced through East and Southeast Asia in 1941 and 1942 was due not only to their superior battle tactics, but also to years of intelligence gathering. In this book the author, relying on access to files from the Straits Settlements Police, sketches the effectiveness of the Japanese preparations. 179 pages. For further details, please see the scanned contents page.
A study of the social lives of the mixed bag of people who established British power from Malaya eastwards. The author looks at the motivations, methods of government and the people they mixed with. Stamford Raffles, James Brooke, Jardine and Matheson are among the characters included. Very Good First Edition in a Good Dust Jacket. 259 pages with many black and white photographs. For further details, please see the scanned contents page.
About half of the world's approximately two thousand begonia species are native to Asia. In this book the authors illustrate the variety of such species from examples in the Academia Sinica, Taipei, The Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center and The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Each species is illustrated by at least one colour photograph and information on the species' identification, distribution and etymology. New Hardback. First Edition. 353 pages with an index.
The purpose of this book is to aquatint the Western visitor with the many different and unfamiliar styles found on sites in Asia. The book takes the reader through each country with a general introduction, map and then a series of illustrations of different forms that are likely to be found. Very Good Hardback in a cardboard slip case. 608 pages.
Particularly in an era of globalisation, language can be a touchy issue in states struggling to assert their own identities in the wake of past and current external influences. In this volume the authors look at case studies as to how the issue has been dealt with in four Southeast Asian countries. They also look at the impact of English on indigenous languages. Very Good Hardback. First Edition. 159 pages with an index.
The author was a wood importer in the United States who had made over 20 trips to Southeast Asia prior to the publication of this book. As a result he has been able to compile a detailed survey of trees with a special emphasis on those suitable for domestic and industrial use. Good Reprint. The book was originally published in 1966. 245 pages with a bibliography and indices of common and scientific names.
A comprehensive survey of the contribution of Islamic civilisation to the achievements of the human race and its effects on Europe, Africa, Central Asia and Indonesia. Covering art, architecture, literature and the sciences, the book confines itself to the period up to about 1800. Good Paperback. Reprint. 530 pages with an index and over 60 black and white plates.
China
Protestant missionary work in China, which began in the early 19th century, was phased out quickly in the middle of the following century following the Communist revolution. In this book the author, a former missionary in China himself, looks at the withdrawal of Protestant missionaries as experienced by the Missionary Boards in the United Kingdom and Ireland. His work is based on extensive research amongst written records and interviews with former missionaries. Very Good Paperback. First Edition Gift Dedication by the Author 288 pages.
India
A simplistic view of Indian history through imperial eyes. Good Hardback. First Edition. 96 pages with 8 colour illustrations and several line drawings.
Sri Lanka
At the time this book was originally published in 1971, it was seen as a ground breaking research into the development of Buddhist belief and practice as it developed over two and a half millennia. Gombrich concluded that Buddhism, as practiced at the village level, was sufficiently conservative that it had not changed significantly in this time. Very Good Hardback in a Good Dust Jacket. 427 pages with a bibliography and an index.
A collection of 15 previously published articles about interesting, and sometimes odd, aspects of Sri Lankan life and history. The author is a long time resident of the country and noted author. Near Fine Hardback in a Near Fine Dust Jacket. First Edition. 294 pages with a bibliography.
This is the author's unusual account of his capture by the King of Kandy in 1660 and his subsequent detention for the next 20 years. It remains a primary source for details of life in the Kandyan kingdom at the time. After his escape Knox met Daniel Defoe, who reputedly used parts of Knox's account for inspiration in the writing of Robinson Crusoe. Near Fine Paperback in a Very Good Dust Jacket. Reprint. Originally published in 1681. With an introduction by SD Saparamadu. 409 pages. With a bibliography, index, a pull out map and approximately 20 illustrations from the original edition.
Thailand
A novel set in Thailand in the 1970s when three young activists team up and are swept along with the pro-democracy movement. All does not run smoothly as political and personal conflict intervene. New Paperback. First Edition. 355 pages
Vietnam
A guide to the history of Vietnam's capital city. The city's indigenous culture has been subject to Chinese, French and Soviet influences. However traces of its imperial city remain alongside Asia's best example of French colonial architecture. Near Fine Hardback. Reprint. Originally published in 1998. 72 pages with a bibliography, index and several black and white and colour plates.
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