Singapore: A Pictorial History 1819-2000

From Library Journal
This fine compilation rises above the usual coffee-table designation with 1200 well-chosen images, mostly historical photos from both commercial photographers and amateurs but also sketches, paintings, and postcards from numerous sources, including one-of-a-kind family albums. For example, there is the earliest known extant pencil sketch (1823) and photograph (1843) of Singapore. Arranged chronologically, the four chapters consist of concise commentary and identification notes; the views include topographical studies, posed formal portraits, and spontaneous street scenes. All ethnic groups are presented in a balanced fashion, as are all kinds of activity political, economic, religious, cultural, and social. If the final section depicting the present-day city-state is a bit suggestive of government propaganda, Singapore's recent achievements are truly remarkable. Very fairly priced for what it is, this treasure trove of historical visual documentation is recommended for all academic and public libraries as a record of dramatic transformations in a region that deserves our attention. Harold M. Otness, formerly with Southern Oregon Univ. Lib., Ashland Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
In less than two centuries, Singapore has transformed itself from a small seaside village into a modern metropolis. Since the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Singapore became a thriving colony and then an independent nation state. With over 1,000 images, Singapore: A Pictorial History 1819-2000 documents all the important aspects of Singapore's history: political and economic development, the construction of the city, and the emergence of a new society. Many of these photographs give readers a glimpse into places, buildings, and social activities that have long since disappeared. Using early and contemporary photographs, paintings, lithographs, and engravings, drawn largely from the rich collection of the National Archives of Singapore, author Grechen Liu has gathered a brilliant ensemble of images that, together with her keenly written text, tells the story of Singapore.


About the Author
Gretchen Liu is an accomplished architectural historian, writer, and journalist. She has written a number of books about Singapore's heritage, including Singapore Sketchbook (981-3018-08-9) and Raffles Hotel Style.


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This fine compilation rises above the usual coffee-table designation with 1200 well-chosen images, mostly historical photos from both commercial photographers and amateurs but also sketches, paintings, and postcards from numerous sources, including one-of-a-kind family albums. For example, there is the earliest known extant pencil sketch (1823) and photograph (1843) of Singapore. Arranged chronologically, the four chapters consist of concise commentary and identification notes; the views include topographical studies, posed formal portraits, and spontaneous street scenes. All ethnic groups are presented in a balanced fashion, as are all kinds of activity political, economic, religious, cultural, and social. If the final section depicting the present-day city-state is a bit suggestive of government propaganda, Singapore's recent achievements are truly remarkable. Very fairly priced for what it is, this treasure trove of historical visual documentation is recommended for all academic and public libraries as a record of dramatic transformations in a region that deserves our attention. Harold M. Otness, formerly with Southern Oregon Univ. Lib., Ashland Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.


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