areca books catalogue malaysia 2011

catalogue 2011

ARECA BOOKS is a rapidly-‐growing niche publisher based in Penang, Malaysia. Its ethos

combines editorial intelligence, research rigour, elegant production and marketing flair,

appealing to both popular readers and academic researchers of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

The imprint has a deserved reputation for pioneering works that celebrate genius loci and

sense of a place. Its richly-‐illustrated publications are enduring contributions to the fields of

cultural heritage, social history, visual arts and the environment.

Our TEAM

Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis Director [email protected]

Lubis is a co-‐founder of Areca Books and is responsible for press enquiries, promotions and review copies. A researcher and author, he has written on the history of Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and the Sumatran diaspora community.

Khoo Salma Nasution Managing Director [email protected]

Salma is a co-‐founder of Areca Books and is responsible for overall coordination and book commissions. A researcher, writer and heritage advocate, she has written extensively on Penang’s history, culture and architecture.

Yeap Ee Ban Marketing Manager [email protected]

Yeap has overall administrative responsibility for Areca Books, and particularly for marketing, sales and trade orders, including liaison with distributors and retailers.

Gareth Richards Editor [email protected]

A former academic, Gareth is Areca Books’ editor, responsible for manuscript appraisal, editing and author liaison. As a writer, he has published on social documentary photography, international politics and civil society in southeast Asia.

Nazurah Hassan Publishing Assistant [email protected]

A graduate in architecture with an interest in heritage, Nazurah provides administrative assistance at every stage of the publication process, responsible for support with planning, production and publicity.

Goh Hun Meng Designer [email protected]

Founder of his own company Panca Design, Hun Meng is a designer who specialises in all aspects of book design for Areca Books – cover design, layout, typesetting, image processing – through to final production.

CONTENTS

From Penang Through Gilded Doors see page 7

From Portraits of Penang: Little India see page 3

From Heritage Trees of Penang see page 3

From Perak Postcards 1890s–1940s see page 15

From Hail, Penang! see page 4

Authors 2 Penang 3

Perak 15

Children 17

The Straits Settlements 19

Malaysia 21

Miscellaneous 22

Order Form 23

Index 25

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Do you have an idea for a book?

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If so, we’d be interested in hearing from you. To find out more about

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www.arecabooks.com or email us [email protected]

Authors are the lifeblood for any publisher. Their imagination, persistence and passion create the

manuscripts and images that end up as finely-‐produced books. These then find a growing readership, both

locally and internationally. Over the past few years Areca Books has nurtured the talent of many established

and new authors – as well as photographers, illustrators and designers – to critical and popular acclaim.

Top row: Malcolm Wade, Ric Francis, Pindar Sidisunthorn. Middle Row: Reviews of Portraits of Penang: Little India, Perak Postcards 1890s –1940s, Hail, Penang! and The Sara Saga. Bottom row: Julia de Bierre, Christine Wu Ramsay, Ooi Cheng Ghee

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AUTHORS

A richly illustrated and comprehensive guide to Penang’s unique trees HERITAGE TREES OF PENANG Simon Gardner, Pindar Sidisunthorn and Lai Ee May

A celebration of 200 trees which form an integral part of the natural, cultural and urban heritage of Penang. This unique book covers a wide range of both forest and cultivated species, each with a special story to tell. Taken as a whole Heritage Trees of Penang weaves a rich tapestry of the past and present that demonstrates why Penang is such a remarkable place. The unique value of each tree is explored in terms of its contribution to the distinctive character of George Town and Penang Botanic Gardens, as well as its spiritual or symbolic significance and its role in traditional lifestyles for food, medicine or other uses. Brief botanical descriptions are included, together with notes on ecology and horticultural requirements where appropriate. Richly illustrated with 72 original watercolours and over 1,200 photographs, this invaluable guide is a beautiful and authoritative companion to Penang’s botanical inheritance. Simon Gardner is a full-‐time researcher and writer. Pindar Sidisunthorn is a full-‐time researcher, writer and illustrator. They are co-‐authors of A Field Guide to Forest Trees of Northern Thailand (Bangkok, 2000) and Caves of Northern Thailand (Bangkok, 2006). Lai Ee May is a lecturer in biology at Disted College, Penang and formerly a research officer at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia and Penang Botanic Gardens. Areca Books, July 2011

Botany / Environment / Heritage

Hardcover, 21.0 cm x 26.5 cm, xiv + 397 pages,

includes index

72 colour illustrations and 1,200 photographs

ISBN 978-‐967-‐5719-‐06-‐6

Price RM100

Destined to become a classic of Malaysian social documentary photography PORTRAITS OF PENANG: LITTLE INDIA Ooi Cheng Ghee

During the late 1970s Penang was undergoing a fundamental change with the loss of its free port status and a decline in its historic role as an entrepôt. Nowhere was more affected than the enclave known as Little India, home to generations of merchants, traders and waterfront labourers. Over the course of a year Ooi Cheng Ghee created a unique and remarkable photo essay on the life of Little India. The result is a portfolio of 160 outstanding black-‐and-‐white images, published here for the first time. With compelling immediacy and intimacy Ooi’s images provide a unique vision of people as ‘they worked, slept, played in the streets’. His Portraits of Penang: Little India is destined to become a classic of social documentary photography. ‘This is not only a work of art; it is a personal statement by an observant and intuitive artist, perceptive of the moods and sensitivities of a culture that is living’ – Andrew Sheng ‘A stunning photo essay, a powerful window on an era like few others. The photographs here breathe with a rare and easy vigour, they are of their time, and yet they live now for posterity, in the present’ – Gareth Richards Ooi Cheng Ghee is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society, United Kingdom, and has held solo exhibitions at Galeri Seni Mutiara, Penang. He lives in Penang where he practises as a doctor. Areca Books, May 2011

Photography / Ethnography

Hardcover, 26.7 cm x 29.2 cm, xiv + 214 pages

160 black-‐and-‐white photographs

ISBN 978-‐967-‐5719-‐05-‐9

Price RM100

PENANG

NEW NEW TITLE NEW TITLE

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The compelling autobiography of a noted journalist and diplomat across turbulent decades THE SARA SAGA Manicasothy Saravanamuttu The decades from the 1930s to the 1960s were hugely important in the making of modern Asia. They saw the tumultuous transition from colonial rule through the travails of war to the eventual attainment of independent nationhood. Manicasothy Saravanamuttu – ‘Sara’ to all and sundry – was a truly remarkable witness to and participant in these events. From his origins as the son of Ceylon’s most prominent political families this gripping memoir traces a remarkable journey: cricket loving student at Oxford during the Great War, fearless editor of Penang’s English-‐language newspaper The Straits Echo, resilient internee during the Japanese Occupation, influential diplomat-‐at-‐large during the height of the Cold War, and trustworthy confidant to the great and the good. Written with great panache this revised edition of the Sara Saga offers a unique glimpse into history in the making. And more to this, it crystallizes Sara’s singular character – a true ‘global soul’. ‘This is a very pleasing book…. It draws a candid, full-‐length, real life pen picture of its characterful author… [and] it describes many of the important historic events which have occurred … as seen through the eyes of an always shrewd observer of the drama’ – Malcolm Macdonald Manicasothy Saravanamuttu was a legendary journalist and esteemed diplomat and the editor of Penang’s The Straits Echo (1931–41 and 1945–47). Areca Books, 2010

Autobiography / Social History

Hardcover, 15 cm x 21.6 cm, 312 pages, includes index

58 black-‐and-‐white illustrations

ISBN 978-‐967-‐57190-‐3-‐5

Price RM40

Funny, poignant and insightful memoirs of Penang in 1930s HAIL, PENANG! George Bilainkin In the late 1920s British colonial power in Malaya appeared at its zenith. Run by a small political and commercial elite on behalf of metropolitan interests, Malaya was the most profitable of all Britain’s possessions and likely to remain that way. Into this scene came a young journalist, George Bilainkin – witty, confident, acerbic and iconoclastic – appointed by chance as editor of Penang’s lively English language newspaper The Straits Echo in 1929. Through a series of engaging sketches and reflections he discloses a wonderfully compelling portrait of Penang, its personalities and its environs. Looking beyond the complacent colonial façade Bilainkin grapples directly and indirectly with a wide range of topics that have strikingly modern echoes : the absurdities of social snobbery; the position of women in society; and above all, the fraught nature of race relations. This revised edition of Hail, Penang! offers an original and provocative glimpse of colonial society that is sure to captivate a new generation of readers. ‘As a practitioner of the written word, Bilainkin was skilled, and exceptionally lively. While his was a flawed personality, it was a wonderfully alive human one. In terms of journalism alone we will not see his like again. And with his Hail, Penang! he earned his place in Malayan history’ – Ilsa Sharp George Bilainkin was a distinguished foreign correspondent and author who served as editor of Penang’s The Straits Echo (1929–1930). Areca Books, 2010

Memoirs / Social History



ISBN 978-‐967-‐57190-‐2-‐8

Price RM40

A R E C A R E P R I N T S A R E C A R E P R I N T S

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A school for girls and young teachers that changed the future of women in Penang GIVING OUR BEST: THE STORY OF ST GEORGE’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL, PENANG, 1885–2010 Khoo Salma Nasution, Alison Hayes and Sehra Yeap Zimbulis St George’s Girls’ School is one of Penang’s most cherished institutions. Starting from a single classroom run by the Anglican mission, St George’s became a modern government school celebrated for its distinctive ‘white dress, red belt’ look. Today it is the first school in Penang to achieve national-‐level high performance status. Giving Our Best looks at 125 years of tradition in which pioneering women educators transformed St George’s into an innovative establishment which, in turn, produced generations of brave young girls inculcated with a positive love of learning and a determination to succeed. Drawing on archival materials, local histories, personal reminiscences and school yearbooks, this richly illustrated study traces the considerable achievements of the school, combining it with a collective biography of women who, both as teachers and students, gave their best to school and society. This highly readable and socially relevant book will appeal to all those interested in the history of education and the development of Penang. Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Alison Hayes is a native of Dundee, Scotland and loves life in George Town. Sehra Yeap Zimbulis grew up in Penang and has recently returned to her home town after many years. She has a degree in English and psychology. Areca Books, 2010

Social History / Education

Hardcover, 25.5 cm x 25.5 cm, 231 pages

500 black-‐and-‐white and colour illustrations

ISBN 978-‐967-‐57190-‐4-‐2

Price RM100

An engaging social history of a small but influential community in Penang MORE THAN MERCHANTS: A HISTORY OF THE GERMAN-‐SPEAKING COMMUNITY IN PENANG, 1800s–1940s Khoo Salma Nasution Over one hundred years ago the port of Penang attracted German and Swiss traders to make their fortunes. This mercantile community had its own German association, beautiful suburban residences and prominent trading offices along the harbour front. They made remarkable contributions to public life, engineering, architecture, photography and postcard publishing. More Than Merchants relates the social history of the German-‐speaking community in Penang through the stories of individuals, families and companies. It also features famous visitors to Penang like Karl May, Count Fritz von Hochberg, Hans Sturzenegger and Herman Hesse. The SMS Emden's daring raid on the Penang harbour during the First World War is recounted as well as Penang's role as a secret U-‐boat base during the Second World War. ‘Khoo has also successfully conveyed their courage and fortitude as merchants in facing the fate that befell them and their enterprises caused by the international repercussions of European politics’ – Marina Emmanuel Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Areca Books, 2006

Social History


170 black-‐and-‐white and colour photographs

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐1-‐5

Price RM60

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A lively and frank memoir of the vicissitudes of a well-connected Penang family DAYS GONE BY: GROWING UP IN PENANG Christine Wu Ramsay Christine Wu Ramsay grew up in the British Straits Settlement of Penang which is a part of present-‐day Malaysia. Her account begins with the arrival of her great-‐grandfather, Leong Fee – a poor Hakka migrant from China who rose to become the owner of the famous ‘Tambun Mines’ in Perak and a Vice-‐Consul of China in Penang. Brought up by her grandparents and cared for by black-‐and-‐white amahs, Christine enjoyed an idyllic childhood – affected but not marred by the Japanese Occupation and declining family fortunes – up till her departure for Australia in 1957. Using over a hundred photographs from her family album, she recounts a way of life and philosophy where the practice of polygamy and the ownership of bond maids were accepted facets of life. ‘A patriarch makes a fortune in tin mining and the next two generations squander it .... This classic Malaysian Chinese family saga makes a compelling biography’ – Choong Kwee Kim ‘A lively anecdotal style … a first-‐hand perspective’ – Leslie A.K. James Christine Wu Ramsay is a writer and photographer with a PhD in organic chemistry from Melbourne University. Her other publications include Captured in Time: Journeys with my Camera. Areca Books, 2007

Memoirs / Autobiography


Black-‐and-‐white and colour illustrations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐6-‐9

Price RM50

The history of Penang Chinese community visually charted over two centuries THE CHINESE IN PENANG: A PICTORIAL HISTORY Tan Kim Hong Spanning over two hundred years, this illustrated history describes the early immigration and population growth, social organisations, economic activities, political orientation, schools and education, as well as religious life of the Chinese in Penang, Malaysia. The book contains around 700 illustrations, including vintage photographs, epigraphic materials, historical documents and maps, making it a visual feast for those interested in the history of the Chinese overseas. ‘painstakingly compiled over the years to sketch what Tan describes as “a chequered contour of the social milieu, economic endeavours, political orientations, educational efforts, and religious life of the Penang Chinese”’ – Lee Kam Hing Tan Kim Hong is a local historian residing in Penang. He has published and edited works on Chinese Malaysian politics and socio-‐economic change in Penang including histories of the Labour Party of Malaya, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, the Chinese Town Hall and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Areca Books, 2007 Social History

Hardcover, 26 cm x 29 cm, 237 pages includes bibliography About 700 black-‐and-‐white and colour illustrations

Bi-‐lingual (English and Chinese)

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐7-‐6

Price RM120

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A visual treat and lyrical essay on Penang’s many architectural splendours PENANG THROUGH GILDED DOORS Julia de Bierre and James Bain Smith Penang: Through Gilded Doors is an inspirational introduction to one of South-‐East Asia’s most culturally diverse destinations. Superbly photographed, the book focuses in particular on the Malaysian island’s wealth of heritage buildings and the fascinating human stories behind their existence. ‘De Bierre’s efforts in taking the reader behind the many gilded doors one sees on shophouses, temples and mansions in Penang are meticulous. She not only offers a magical “tour” of Penang’s famed sights, but gives detailed insights into the life of the island’s people’ – Marina Emmanuel ‘Gorgeous and lavishly illustrated book’ – Lonely Planet ‘a unique blend of narrative and photographic record’ –Penang Heritage Trust Julia de Bierre was born in Penang and grew up here. She writes for leading design and decoration periodicals and currently runs Galerie Huit in the World Heritage Site of Arles, France. James Bain Smith is an international artist and photographer with a parallel career in the decorative arts. De Bierre and Bain Smith are co-‐authors of the best-‐selling Restoration Recipes. Areca Books, 2008, second edition

Architecture / Heritage


Over 500 colour photographs

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐2-‐3 (English edition)

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐3-‐1 (French edition)

Price RM80

The cultural history of a cosmopolitan seaport through its remarkable dwellings HERITAGE HOUSES OF PENANG Khoo Salma Nasution and Halim Berbar Penang has been the meeting place of cultural currents from India and China, as well as insular and mainland Southeast Asia. As a key commercial port of the British East India Company from 1786, it was drawn into the international trading networks. Ship captains and seafaring merchants chose to retreat to this strategically situated island, while miners and planters who made their fortunes in neighbouring lands built their incredible homes here. Penang’s capital, the port city of George Town, is now a World Heritage Site, reflecting its rich history, vernacular architecture and its own unique version of multiculturalism. Written by Penang’s foremost heritage advocate and illustrated with professional photography this book celebrates the distinctive architecture and lifestyle of the heritage houses of Penang. ‘Khoo’s words are brought alive in the book by the award-‐winning Berbar’ – Marina Emmanuel Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include More Than Merchants (2006) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Halim Berbar studied photography and journalism before working with leading press and photo agencies in France. Marshall Cavendish, 2009


Softcover, 22 cm x 24 cm, 128 pages

141 colour photographs

ISBN 978-‐981-‐23280-‐6-‐9

Price RM86

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Still the best guide to the historically-rich streetscapes of George Town STREETS OF GEORGE TOWN, PENANG: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO PENANG’S CITY STREETS & HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS Khoo Su Nin (Khoo Salma Nasution)

George Town, Penang: historic city of terracotta roofs, effusive stucco ornamentation and friendly five-‐foot ways, where diverse local cultures survive and multiply and traditional festivals are celebrated. Streets of George Town is a serious guide to things visible and invisible. The traditional neighbourhoods and urban villages which make up the city are carefully explored. In the wealth of surviving built heritage are the stories of those who have contributed to the prosperity of the trading settlement, from Penang's founding settlers to latter-‐day personalities. In these streets is the living history of a uniquely complex multicultural society. Richly illustrated with over 280 photos, this guide is meant for every visitor who has ever enjoyed George Town's charming streetscapes and every Penangite who wishes to rediscover his or her own home town. ‘the gold standard for history-‐freighted local guide books … it should be compulsory reading for a visitor’ – David Jardine ‘Streets of George Town, Penang … helped rekindle civic interest in documenting and preserving the island's rich architectural heritage’ – Katherine Tanko ‘An excellent book ... enthralling reading as it recalls the vibrant and chaotic history of some of George Town’s founding families’ – John Lyon Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008).

Areca Books, 2007, fourth edition (first edition, 1993)


Softcover, 15.5 cm x 22 cm, 189 pages

Over 280 colour photos

ISBN 978-‐983-‐98860-‐0-‐9

Price RM35

Evocative images of Penang’s places and way of life through historic picture postcards PENANG POSTCARD COLLECTION 1899–1930s Khoo Salma Nasution and Malcolm Wade

In the early twentieth century, from a bustling port teeming with travellers and migrants, thousands of postcards of Penang were sent off into the world. These picture postcards gave vivid impressions of Penang’s centre of commerce and administration, its street and suburbs, its hill resort and its beaches. With over 700 postcards compiled by Malcolm Wade, this is the largest collection of prewar Penang postcards ever published. The local historical context is presented with authority and empathy by Khoo Salma Nasution. This collection serves as a testimony to Penang’s rich heritage, as well as visual resources for researchers, artists, collectors, and all those who love Penang. ‘Penang Postcard Collection 1899-‐1930s is by far the most ambitious study of the subject to date. Serious collectors or scholars of postcards (deltiologists, as they are called), as well as casual readers, are sure to delight in this richly illustrated and beautifully designed volume. Packed with fascinating historical detail, this book is a must-‐have’ – Peter Zabielskis Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Malcolm Wade was a soldier, teacher and technical author and is an avid collector of Malayan postal history and postcards. Areca Books, 2003

Visual history / Heritage

Hardcover 26 cm x 29 cm, 304 pages

Over 700 black-‐and-‐white and colour postcards

ISBN 978-‐983-‐28850-‐0-‐0

Price RM120

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The well-preserved poetical traditions of the Baba community A TAPESTRY OF BABA POETRY (CD attached) Johny Chee

Penang Hokkien is, by and large, Baba Hokkien. It differs from the original Hokkien dialect in terms of the pronunciation of certain words, its intonation and some aspects of its vocabulary. Varieties of it are either spoken or understood as far as Phuket in Thailand and Medan in Indonesia; and widely used by the Hokkien-‐speaking communities stretching from Perlis through Kedah to Taiping in Perak. This collection brings together a wide sample of the rhymes, ditties and poetry that illuminate the fascinating culture of the Baba community. Interesting yet illuminating, entertaining yet enlightening-‐ a literary encounter to feast the eyes. A book meant for everybody – Of all ages and standing in society. – Tan Gin Soon It is not just poetry in motion but Penang Hokkien in action. One is treated not only to a repertoire of Baba rhymes but an ensemble of quaint words and expressions peculiar to the Penang Baba tradition’ – Michael Cheah Johny Chee is a former English teacher with a deep-‐rooted love for his ancestral culture. He is also the mover behind a group of dancers who call themselves the Nyonya Belles. Johny Chee, 2008 third edition (first edition, 2006)

Literature / Culture

Softcover, 14.7 cm x 21.6 cm, 137 pages

Black-‐and-‐white and colour illustrations, CD attached

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42912-‐1-‐1

Price RM37

The endearing and definitive history of Penang’s oldest public transportation system PENANG TRAMS, TROLLEYBUSES & RAILWAYS: MUNICIPAL TRANSPORT HISTORY 1880s–1963 Ric Francis and Colin Ganley Penang was one of the first urban centres in Southeast Asia to operate steam trams, horse trams, electric trams and trolleybuses. When the Municipal Commission established its own electrical supply, it took over the tram service and started the electric trams in George Town in 1906. This gave the local population excellent public transport around George Town, with one line going up to Ayer Itam. In the late 1920s the municipality replaced trams with trolley-‐ buses, experimenting for a while with re-‐conditioned double-‐deckers from London Transport! ‘a “must read” for fans of public transport in the colonial era.… A fascinating and well-‐produced book, which Classic Bus readers whose interests include “abroad” will enjoy’ – David Hope ‘what is truly amazing is the amount of work that went into creating this book. They dug up records of tram, trolleybus and bus fleets, route maps, old bus tickets and newspaper cuttings and put them together so effectively’ – Leong Shen-‐Li Ric Francis is the co-‐founder of the Perth Electric Tramways and member of the Western Australian Omnibus Group Inc and Electric Trolleybus Group. He is also the author of Kalgoorlie Transport History 1901–2001. Colin Ganley is a member of several British train and bus preservation societies. Areca Books, 2006

Social history / Transportation

Hardcover, 21 cm x 26 cm, 112 pages

125 black-‐and-‐white and 64 colour photos

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐0-‐7

Price RM50

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Marvellously readable, compact and well-illustrated account of early Penang PENANG UNDER THE EAST INDIA COMPANY: 1786-‐1858 Andrew Barber

This is a fully illustrated hardback coffee-‐table book that charts the early years of Penang’s development, from the landing of Francis Light in 1786 until the British government assumed control of the Straits Settlements in 1858. The book explores the background to the East India Company’s decision to establish a settlement on Penang and the difficulties encountered with the Sultanate of Kedah. It then charts Penang’s steady development, looking at its people, economy, administration and architecture. Penang Under the East India Company is lavishly illustrated and designed for the lay reader and student alike. All profits from sales go to the Lighthouse Children’s Home.

‘the book showcases revived pictures that will excite history buffs, and provides an easy-‐to-‐digest narrative on Penang which should interest more than the general scholar’ – Ooi Kee Beng

Andrew Barber is a former British diplomat who currently lives and works in Kuala Lumpur. He is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and is author of Penang at War (2010) and Malaya, the Making of a Nation – 1510–1957 (2008).

AB&A, 2009

History

Hardcover, 22 cm x 25.5 cm, 159 pages

Black-‐and-‐white and colour illustrations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐43372-‐2-‐3

Price RM110

Innovative scholarly essays on the port of Penang and its trade connections PENANG AND ITS REGION Yeoh Seng Guan, Loh Wei Leng, Khoo Salma Nasution and Neil Khor (eds)

From its beginnings in the late eighteenth century, the vibrant colonial port of Penang attracted a diverse range of peoples, enabled pioneering commercial enterprises, and fomented inter-‐ethnic collaboration and inter-‐cultural borrowings. The island came to be known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and for many travellers it was their first port of call in Southeast Asia. In the early nineteenth century, Singapore displaced Penang in international trade but the island remained a major focus of regional trade. For this reason, the story of Penang’s relations with the Malay Peninsula and other parts of Southeast Asia reveal a great deal about conditions within the region. This collection discusses the personal networks that have linked prominent individuals in Penang with neighbouring areas and considers the position of the island as a whole within the Southeast Asian region.

‘Penang and Its Region is a must-‐read for those who not only wish to “deconstruct” Penang’s past but also reconstruct its future’ – Johan Saravanamuttu Yeoh Seng Guan is a senior lecturer in the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University, Sunway Campus. Loh Wei Leng was formerly professor in the History Department, University of Malaya. Her research interests include the economic, business and maritime history of Malaysia. Khoo Salma Nasution is a Penang-‐based heritage advocate and local historian. She conducted research in South Thailand as an Asian Public Intellectual Fellow of the Nippon Foundation. Neil Khor is programme director with Think City. NUS Press, 2009

History


Black-‐and-‐white illustrations

ISBN 978-‐997-‐16942-‐3-‐4

Price RM45

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A fun, practical word list of the most widely spoken dialect in Penang island ENGLISH–PENANG HOKKIEN POCKET DICTIONARY Luc de Gijzel Penang Hokkien is a unique dialect that is widely spoken in Penang. Settlers from the Fujian Province in Southern China brought their language to the former British trading port. In this melting pot of languages and cultures, Hokkien has been exposed to a diversity of influences. The enriched vocabulary and colourful local expressions give Penang Hokkien its distinct character. The English–Penang Hokkien Pocket Dictionary provides the tourist, student and native speaker with a practical reference for Penang Hokkien words and phrases. With over 4,000 entries and supplementary chapters on words by theme, phrases and grammar, this accessible dictionary will prove invaluable to anyone wishing to speak Penang Hokkien. ‘it was a proud achievement for a foreigner to release a dictionary in Hokkien which is synonymous with Penang’ –Choong Sim Poey A factory manager by profession, Luc de Gijzel moved to Penang with his wife in 2004 and his romance with the dialect started when he attended basic Hokkien lessons at Penang YMCA. Luc de Gijzel, 2009

Language

Softcover, 10.8 x 16 cm, 211 pages

ISBN 978-‐983-‐44646-‐08

Price RM22

Light, practical and easy-going introductions to the Penang Hokkien language LEARN TO SPEAK ... PENANG HOKKIEN DIALECT

Tan Choon Hoe

Tan Choon Hoe, 2004. Second edition (first edition, 2001)

Softcover, 11 cm x 18.5 cm, 134 pages

ISBN 978-‐983-‐40774-‐0-‐2

Price RM20

MARI BELAJAR BERTUTUR ... LOGHAT HOKKIEN PULAU PINANG Tan Choon Hoe

Tan Choon Hoe, 2006

Language

Softcover, 11 cm x 18.5cm, 152 pages

ISBN 978-‐983-‐40774-‐1-‐6

Price RM18

PENANG HOKKIEN DIALECT FOR PENANGITES AND TOURISTS Tan Choon Hoe

Tan Choon Hoe, 2008 Softcover, 11 cm x 18.5 cm, 136 pages

Language

ISBN 978-‐983-‐40774-‐3-‐3

Price RM23

Tan Choon Hoe was born, bred and educated in Penang. He is an English language and Penang Hokkien dialect tutor.

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The most complete study of Penang’s Chinese popular religion and rituals PENANG: RITES OF BELONGING IN A MALAYSIAN CHINESE COMMUNITY Jean DeBernardi The British established George Town on Penang island in 1786 and encouraged Chinese merchants and labourers to migrate to this vibrant trading port. In the multicultural urban settlement that developed, the Chinese immigrants organised their social life through community temples like the Guanyin Temple (Kong Hok Palace) and their secret sworn brotherhoods. These community associations assumed exceptional importance precisely because they were a means to establish a social presence for the Chinese immigrants, to organise their social life and to display their economic prowess. The Confucian ‘cult of memory’ also took on new meanings in the early twentieth century as a form of racial pride. In twentieth-‐century Penang, religious practices and events continued to draw the boundaries of belonging in the idiom of the sacred.

‘[An] engaging and insightful book on Penang Chinese popular religion’ – Sojourn ‘Rarely can one say of a scholarly work, “this book is hard to put down” .... This fascinating, superbly researched interdisciplinary study will reward all readers’ – Religious Studies Review ‘DeBernardi’s overall analysis of religion as an historically situated social process is commendable’ – Pacific Affairs

Jean DeBernardi is professor of anthropology at the University of Alberta. She studied linguistic and cultural anthropology at the University of Chicago and completed two years of ethnographic fieldwork in Penang. NUS Press, 2009 Social history / Anthropology


Illustrations in black-‐and-‐white

ISBN 978-‐9971-‐69-‐416-‐6

Price RM49

Your gastronomic guide to Penang’s best restaurants and food courts GREAT DINING IN PENANG 2 Helen Ong

Are you planning to visit Penang, and historical George Town, UNESCO World Heritage site? Then you’ll no doubt be trying all the fantastic food up here, so don’t forget to bring this book along because Great Dining in Penang 2 will guide you to some of the best restaurants and food courts in town. In response to popular demand, this is the follow-‐up to Helen Ong’s first book and gives you the low-‐down on more outlets to visit. Like the first, it is packed with contact details, information and beautiful, mouth-‐watering photographs to whet your appetite. The book also includes the helpful ‘Fast Facts’ column, presented in a new, easy-‐to-‐understand format. There are even some great recipes for you to try out! ‘Freelance writer and food reviewer Helen Ong has come up with a book to show that the island has many more culinary delights to offer apart from hawker food … nicely illustrated and attractive’ – The Star

Helen Ong is the Star Sunday Metro’s regular columnist who used to teach Malaysian cooking in France and also wrote a regular beauty column for newspapers in Britain. Helen Ong Publications, 2010

Culture / Food


Full colour illustrations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐43915-‐1-‐5

Price RM28

12

How Sun Yat Sen planned the Huanghuagang Uprising from Penang SUN YAT SEN IN PENANG Khoo Salma Nasution As a young revolutionary, Sun Yat Sen travelled widely and lived amongst the Chinese communities abroad, including Japan, North America and Southeast Asia. He mobilised the overseas Chinese with the dream of saving the Chinese nation. This book tells the story of how the Second Guangzhou Uprising, a turning point of the 1911 Chinese Revolution, was planned from a place 2,400 km away — in Penang in present-‐day Malaysia.

‘Many articles have been written about Sun Yat Sen, some of which discuss his time in Penang. However, details of his time in George Town have not been collected and discussed in one single volume before in a way that makes the story accessible to the common Penangite. For this, Khoo Salma Nasution’s finely produced book deserves much credit’ – Penang Economic Monthly Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her best-‐selling publications include Streets of George Town, Penang (1993), Penang Postcard Collection (2003), Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008) and Heritage Houses of Penang (2009).

Areca Books, 2008

Politics / Social History

Softcover, 12cm X 20.5cm, 128 pages

Over 120 colour and black-‐and-‐white illustrations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐8-‐3 (English)

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐9-‐0 (Simplified Chinese)

ISBN 978-‐967-‐57190-‐0-‐4 (Traditional Chinese)

Price RM30

A companion to the award-winning film about Sun Yat Sen’s revolutionary period in Penang ROAD TO DAWN: FILMING IN PENANG Goh Mai Loon and Khoo Salma Nasution A souvenir album on the making of the film Road To Dawn, based on the story of Sun Yat Sen as a revolutionary in Penang in 1910. It was the first China-‐produced movie to be filmed in Malaysia and was shot entirely on location in Penang. The grand premiere was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 28 June 2008. Starring Taiwanese actor Winston Chao as Sun Yat Sen and Angelica Lee Sin Chet as a fictional Penang Nyonya character. Cast and crew from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The film won the Hua Biao Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer Scriptwriter (Maezi); Shanghai International Film Festival Media Award for Best Actor (Winston Zhao) and Most Promising Newcomer (Wu Yue).

Goh Mai Loon is the project initiator and location producer of Road To Dawn. Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Areca Books, 2007

History / Film

Soft cover, 21 X 29 cm, 56 pages

Over 200 colour photographs


ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐5-‐2

Price RM25

13

A temple restoration revealing the history of a clandestine organisation BESTOWING LUCK AND PROSPERITY ON ALL Tan Lye Hoe Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple was founded in 1844 for the worship of Toa Pek Kong, patron saint of the Kian Teik Tong. This was the Hokkien secret society that challenged the Ghee Hin secret society in the Penang Riots of 1867. This commemorative publication celebrates the completion of the temple restoration. It contains a brief history and timeline of the temple, researched from land titles and other historical documents. It also provides a list of festivals, trustees, and affiliated associations, offering insights into nineteenth century Hokkien socio-‐religious organisations in Penang. ‘The book is extensively illustrated with photos of the archaeology and restoration process, building plans, temple architecture, calligraphic plaques, altars and ceremonies. Meticulously researched, it is essential reading for anyone interested in Chinese religions, Overseas Chinese traditions and Penang history’ – Khoo Salma Nasution Tan Lye Hoe was a lecturer at the Conservatory of Fine Arts, actively involved with the Penang Watercolour Society, the Penang Art Society and the Penang Teachers' Art Circle. Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, 2007

History / Culture / Religion


Over 150 colour illustrations


ISBN 978-‐983-‐43661-‐2-‐4

Price RM100

14

Critically acclaimed study of Kinta Valley as a catalyst in the early economic growth of Malaysia KINTA VALLEY: PIONEERING MALAYSIA’S MODERN DEVELOPMENT Khoo Salma Nasution and Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis Kinta Valley in Perak is the ancient home of the indigenous Senoi and the realm of the Datoh Panglima Kinta and other Malay chiefs. The Kinta River flows through a dramatic valley of forested hills, limestone outcrops and their wondrous caves. After British intervention, this secluded basin was exploited for the secrets of its earth – tin. This book details the development, from the late nineteenth century, of the many charming towns of Kinta. It charts the rise of Ipoh as the ‘hub of Malaya’, and the vicissitudes of tin and rubber booms and busts. The making of Kinta, once the wealthiest district in British Malaya, epitomises the bitter-‐sweet story of the country’s birth into the modern era. ‘Kinta Valley has established a bench-‐mark for the writing of local history in Malaysia.… Indeed, it is in the descriptions of small towns – truly “local history” – that the strength of their research is most evident’ – Barbara Watson Andaya ‘This handsomely produced book provides the fullest account ever written, or likely to be written, on the history of the Kinta Valley’ – H.S. Barlow Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis is a researcher and writer whose recent publications include Raja Bilah and the Mandailings in Perak: 1875–1911 (2003) and Perak Postcards 1890s–1940s (2010). Perak Academy, 2005

Social History


607 black-‐and-‐white and colour illustrations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42113-‐0-‐9

Price RM150

Richly nostalgic, a must for any serious postcard collector or Perak enthusiast

PERAK POSTCARDS: 1890s–1940s Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis, Malcolm Wade and Khoo Salma Nasution Once the premier state of the Federated Malay States, Perak pioneered in tin mining, rubber, roads and railways in Malaya. In the early twentieth century, Europeans and Asians venturing into this frontier country brought picture postcards to send home to family, friends and pen pals all over the world. Perak Postcards 1890s–1940s represents the largest collection ever assembled into one volume, with more than 500 picture postcards contributed by several collectors. Practically all the major Perak districts and towns are featured – Ipoh, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Telok Anson and the mining towns of Kinta. ‘This is a beautifully produced book, with many postcards never seen before. If you want a first-‐class record of Perak's past then this is where you should invest your money. It beats any other volume produced so far’ – IpohWorld

‘the authors’ expertise is brought to bear on every image, each one carefully sourced, dated and historically interpreted…. like a rolling story that you can dip in and out of at your leisure' – Ilsa Sharp

‘it covers all that any could wish for regarding our heritage’ – Ian Anderson

Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis and Khoo Salma Nasution are the authors of the critically acclaimed Kinta Valley, Pioneering Malaysia’s Modern Development (2005) and Raja Bilah and the Mandailings in Perak: 1875-‐1911 (2003). Malcolm Wade, a stalwart of the Malaya Study Group, has written an authoritative postal history of Perak. Areca Books, 2010

Visual History / Heritage


575 postcards including a few stationeries and real photos

ISBN 978-‐967-‐5719-‐01-‐1

Price RM120

PERAK

15

An essential scholarly resource about the foremost tin-mining town in Malaya IPOH WHEN TIN WAS KING Ho Tak Ming

Ipoh did not become the capital of Perak until more than seventy years after its founding, and even then not by the deliberation of her founders or administrators but by the fiat of a brief wartime occupier. Ipoh was not even the capital of the Kinta district, although within twenty years of its existence the town had far outstripped the district’s administrative headquarters. In spite of being sidelined as an ‘official town’ by the colonial government, Ipoh could still be considered the most favoured of Malayan towns. Tin gave Ipoh more millionaires than any other Malayan town; it gave her confidence and vibrancy; it gave her a soul. Ipoh When Tin Was King is the story of Ipoh's Golden Age, an era that is now shrouded in the mists of time, but which present-‐day Ipohites can take pride in and draw inspiration from.

‘Dr Ho’s book contains interesting stories of well-‐known tin-‐miners of the past and present century’ – The Star

‘The publication of this book promises a wealth of information for all Ipoh residents, currently residing here or once upon a time. The information is so comprehensive you might even discover you are related to one of the names in the book’ – Ipoh Echo

Ho Tak Ming is a fellow of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia and a research fellow of the Perak Academy. His publications include Doctors Extraordinaire (2000), Doctors in the East (2001) and Generations: The Story of Batu Gajah (2005). Perak Academy, 2009

Social History



ISBN 978-‐983-‐42500-‐2-‐7

Price RM120

An unique and enlightening narrative on the Mandailings in Perak RAJA BILAH AND THE MANDAILINGS IN PERAK: 1875–1911 Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis and Khoo Salma Nasution The transformation of Perak, Malaysia, in the late nineteenth century was an unlikely collaboration between the Malay sultans, their British advisers and dynamic migrant groups, brought together by the ‘tin rush’. Mandailing migrants from northwestern Sumatra were among the ‘foreign Malays’ who played a key role in the new administration and socio-‐economic development of Perak. As pioneer miners and agriculturalists, adventurous Mandailings opened settlements all over Kinta Valley and contributed to the growth of many towns. This story focuses on Raja Bilah, who succeeded the legendary Raja Asal as the undisputed leader of the Mandailings. As a British-‐appointed penghulu, revenue-‐collector and peacekeeper, Raja Bilah harnessed the energies of the Chinese miners as well as Sumatran migrants to make Papan the leading tin-‐mining town of its day. ‘A closely woven story in which the warp is the ongoing narratives of activities, personal and collective, and the weft in found in the ties of authority and kinship within the Mandailing settlements of Papan and nearby villages’ – J.M. Gullick ‘an important watershed in the local and national historiography of Malaysia, in terms of the themes it addresses, the array of materials it has utilised and its presentation’ – Koh Keng We Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis is an independent scholar and a sixth generation Malaysian Mandailing whose ancestors migrated to the peninsula in the aftermath of the Padri War (1816–1837). Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, publisher and heritage advocate. Her recent publications include Heritage Houses of Penang (2009) and Sun Yat Sen in Penang (2008). Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (MBRAS), 2003

Social History / Culture



ISBN 978-‐967-‐99483-‐1-‐5

Price RM60

16

The inimitable house lizard as a part of Malaysian life, a story for children THE HOUSE OF LIZARDS, NATU THE CHICHAK Rebecca Duckett Wilkinson A lizard is just a lizard! Or is it? How many different lizards are there? Too many! Here is a story of one! The first story of six, about six different lizards who live with an old man, who lives in a house full of lizards! ‘a delightful read for children in Malaysia…. In the same way that Beatrix Potter brings to life little animals in a very English atmosphere, Natu The Chichak … easily plunges readers into a world of jungles, lush foliage, and colourful creepy crawlies lurking everywhere. One can almost hear lizards calling and insects buzzing’ – Jenny Daneels ‘Batik meets folk art in this book about a house lizard, or cicak, called Natu’ – The Star Rebecca Duckett Wilkinson is a council member of the Penang Heritage Trust and a resident of George Town who began promoting Malaysia through textile design in 1980s.

Straits Estates Sdn Bhd, 2005

Short story / Children



ISBN 978-‐983-‐34840-‐0-‐3

Price RM28

Preserving the values of the traditional kampung house in the face of homogenous development FATIMAH’S KAMPUNG Iain Buchanan Fatimah’s kampung was the last kampung the city consumed. It was a small kampung, which Fatimah’s moyang had begun when he built a house from the forest. Nearby was the keramat, with its doves and its sacred tree. And on the hill was the last patch of forest, where great rattans grew and tigers hid. For generations, the keramat had kept the kampung and its forest safe from development. Everywhere else, villages had been flattened, precious landmarks destroyed. But Fatimah had been blessed. ‘For the vistas of a rural Malaysian landscape we don’t see too often slapping our soles on KL’s sidewalks or in its malls... Englishman Iain Buchanan’s ‘Fatimah’s Kampung’ offers, beyond its message, views of the green horizon which Emerson thinks necessary for tired urban eyes and spirit’ – Time Out Kuala Lumpur ‘Although this is a work of fiction, it’s very much an act of remembrance. Kampung Hidayah represents all that we have forgotten about old villages, including the respect for nature implicit in their structures and rituals.’ – Amir Muhammad Iain Buchanan is a former university professor who had taught geography (which included ecology and economics) for roughly 35 years when he took early retirement. Consumer Association of Penang, 2009

Children’s literature

110 colour illustrations


ISBN 978-‐983-‐30837-‐0-‐1

Price RM65


ISBN 978-‐983-‐30838-‐9-‐3

Price RM95

CHILDREN

NEW

17

Getting to know Malaysian cultures through an engaging activity book OUR MALAYSIA: MULTI-‐CULTURAL ACTIVITY BOOK FOR YOUNG MALAYSIANS Yazdi Jehangir Bankwala and M. Nadarajah This innovative publication is aimed at enabling children and parents to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity. The explicit aim of the authors is to motivate future generations to move beyond knowledge and tolerance to understanding and reverence for each other's culture. The book suggests that to experience Malaysia’s rich diversity in the spirit of enlightenment is to unify in diversity. This is the meaning of the book: an active appreciation and celebration of diversity. It is an attractively-‐designed workbook with 31 fun assignments, with answers at the back. Yazdi Jehangir Bankwala was a past president of Lions Club of Singapore Hill View, an international social service organisation and a co-‐founder of Centre for Promoting Human Values, Singapore. M. Nadarajah is a sociologist by training. His work focuses on cultural and sustainability issues and he is the author of Another Malaysia is Possible (2007). Arpitha Associates (M), 2005

Children’s workbook

Softcover, 17cm x 24 cm, 52 pages

Colour illustrations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42472-‐0-‐1

Price RM15

18

A complete series on Straits Chinese porcelain, silver, furniture, beadwork and embroidery STRAITS CHINESE BEADWORK AND EMBROIDERY: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE Ho Wing Meng

The first of its kind, this book highlights the uniqueness of beadwork and embroidery in that, unlike porcelain and silver which have actually been made by mainland Chinese craftsmen to Straits Chinese specifications, beadwork and embroidery are the exclusive handicrafts of the Straits Nyonyas. In this marvellous legacy, they have brought that touch of splendour to utilitarian items like comb boxes, stools, spectacle cases, and also provided the lavish costumes and embroidered panels and paraphernalia for the festivities of the Straits Chinese wedding. In this companion volume to Straits Chinese Porcelain, Straits Chinese Furniture and Straits Chinese Silver, the author also covers new ground by comparing beadwork fabricated by Straits Nyonyas with the Indonesian Peranakan variety and includes, in the embroidery section, a fascinating account of silk and sericulture.

Ho Wing Meng taught and lectured in philosophy at the National University of Singapore for 33 years before he retired as associate professor in 1993. His books in the Straits Chinese Heritage series were mainly written between lecture and seminar commitments, and administrative duties. Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2008

Crafts and collectibles

20 cm X 28 cm, 176 pages


ISBN 978-‐981-‐26166-‐4-‐7

Price RM86

19

THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS STRAITS CHINESE PORCELAIN: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE

Ho Wing Meng Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2008

Crafts & Collectibles



ISBN 978-‐981-‐26166-‐6-‐1

Price RM86

STRAITS CHINESE SILVER: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE Ho Wing Meng

Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2008




ISBN 978-‐981-‐26166-‐7-‐8

Price RM86

STRAITS CHINESE FURNITURE: A COLLECTOR’S GUIDE Ho Wing Meng

Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2008




ISBN 978-‐981-‐26166-‐5-‐4

Price RM86

An excellent study revealing the intimate secrets of Straits Chinese women’s handicraft PHOENIX RISING: NARRATIVES IN NONYA BEADWORK FROM THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS Cheah Hwei-‐Fe’n

Intricate, meticulously crafted and visually distinctive, Nonya beadwork occupies a significant role in the cultural imaginary of the Peranakan Chinese, the acculturated descendants of Chinese migrants to the Malay peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago. As an activity, beadwork was once an important part of a Peranakan Chinese girl’s set of skills. As an object, carefully crafted Nonya beadwork was used at weddings and other celebratory occasions, touching the lives of Peranakan men and women, young and old. In this way, Nonya beadwork became entwined within the wider relationships of gender, generation, and social hierarchy in Peranakan society. The Peranakans also incorporated into their beadwork styles and motifs that reflected their changing ideals, aspirations, and lifestyles. Inscribed into the history of Nonya beadwork is a narrative of the Peranakan Chinese community’s cultural transformations. ‘This is a very well-‐researched book that is richly illustrated…. Cheah ably describes the complexities and development of the Peranakan societies’ – Journal of Southeast Asian Studies Cheah Hwei-‐Fe’n is a lecturer in art history at Australian National University. NUS Press, 2010

Arts and crafts Hardcover and softcover, 25.8 cm x 22.5 cm, 400 pages


Hardback ISBN 978-‐9971-‐69-‐516-‐3

Price RM185

Paperback ISBN 978-‐9971-‐69-‐468-‐5

Price RM140

A comparative look at historic cities of Dutch Melaka and British Penang TRADE AND SOCIETY IN THE STRAITS OF MELAKA: DUTCH MELAKA AND ENGLISH PENANG, 1780–1830 Nordin Hussin

This pioneering work from a member of Malaysia’s new generation of historians is a tale of two different cities, the one with a trading heritage dating back centuries, the other a new creation spawned by the declining fortunes of the once mighty Dutch East India Company. Melaka was an important commercial entrepot on the west coast of the Malay peninsula long before it fell to Portuguese forces in 1511, but thereafter began an extended process of decline that would continue after the Dutch conquest of the city in 1641. Penang became a significant port after 1786 when ‘country traders’ created a base on the island to defy the Dutch monopoly, although it was quickly overshadowed by Singapore after the founding of a British settlement there in 1819. 'This is a genuine pioneering study of Malaysian urban history that breaks much new ground. At its best it is a fine-‐grained social history of which we have seen far too little in Southeast Asia' – Anthony Reid ‘Hussin does not succumb to the teleological temptation of the nation-‐state, to read in Dutch Melaka and British Penang the roots of the modern Malaysian state, or of the Resident System of late nineteenth-‐century Malaya. For this he is to be commended’ – James Fichter Nordin Hussin is a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia). NUS Press, 2006

History


ISBN 978-‐997-‐16935-‐4-‐1

Price RM55

20

A grand narrative of Malayan history up to independence MALAYA: THE MAKING OF A NATION 1510–1957 Andrew Barber

Few people are more finely attuned to the possibilities of symbolism than Malaysians. It was no mere coincidence, therefore, that Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, chose to announce the date of national independence from Malacca’s civic hall. In the early sixteenth century it was Malacca that had first attracted the colonial Portuguese to Malaya, drawn by the lure of the East Indies’ spice trade. It was therefore only fitting that Malacca should be chosen as the place from which to announce that the sun was finally to set on the colonial era.

‘Despite the global format in which he chose to tell the tale, the chapters discuss specific issues that came to define Penang, such as the relationship Penang’s rulers had with Malay sultanates and the eclecticism of the island’s physical development’ – Penang Economic Monthly

Written in attractive prose by a person who has a flair for history and a story-‐teller’s gift, it’s a book that reads as well as it feels. It’s obviously written for non-‐academics, and this is probably why it doesn’t have the whiff of must and mildew. – Homefrontier

Andrew Barber is a former British diplomat who currently lives and works in Kuala Lumpur. He is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and is author of Penang at War (2010) and Penang Under the East India Company 1786–1858 (2006). AB&A, 2008

History

Soft Cover, 25.8 cm x 22.5 cm, 400 pages


ISBN 978-‐9834-‐3372-‐1-‐6

Price RM80

The works of two Penang photographers, father and son PHOTOGRAPHING MALAYSIA Tan Thye Siew and Jimmy Tan Eng Hin Tan Thye Siew began his career as a photographer and recorder of social life in 1935. Living in cosmopolitan George Town, Tan’s passion for photography started at a time when commercially available photographic film became widely available to the public. Street scenes, buildings, people and other fascinating facets of social life became the chief objects of his attention. Tan devoted all his free time to developing his skills as a photographer, frequently using his family as subjects. The Tan Thye Siew and Jimmy Tan Eng Hin Collection, consisting of over 1,500 photographs spanning more than sixty years, reflect key moments in Malaysian history. More importantly, it is a collection seen through the eye of a single family, recording their development and the changing times around them. It is the nation’s development seen from ‘street’ level, hence the title Photographing Malaysia. ‘Other than for historical reasons, the Tan family’s collection conveys a family perspective to living in George Town and being Malaysians’ – The Star Tan Thye Siew is amateur photographer and proprietor of Poh Hin, a shop selling imported watches on Penang Road. His passion for photography was not shared by the rest of the family until his son, Jimmy Tan Eng Hin eventually acquired his father’s keen eye for composition. He received his education in the Britain before moving to Kuala Lumpur. Trafalgar Publishing, 2008

Photography

Hard cover, 190 pages

170 black-‐and-‐white photographs

ISBN 978-‐983-‐43245-‐2-‐0

Price RM120

MALAYSIA

21

An ethnomusicological study of the Mandailing bamboo flute used in courtship music TULILA: MUZIK BUJUKAN MANDAILING Edi Nasution

This is an ethnomusicological study in Bahasa Malaysia / Indonesia of Mandailing courtship music – tulila – used to woo a lover’s heart, in the tradition of markusip. While the maiden is cloistered in the bagas podoman under the tutelage of a respected elderly woman, the youth keenly romances her with his skillful playing of the bamboo flute. Alternating with verse or ende-‐ende, tulila music is heard. And so the passion is fanned between youth and maiden, who reveal the secrets of their hearts before the breaking of dawn. While examining the Mandailing arts, the book describes Mandailing culture, language, lifestyles, customs, ancient beliefs, social order, indigenous knowledge, environment and settlement patterns in the Sumatran highlands. ‘It is an interesting, well-‐crafted study … based on close organological observation and musical transcription’ – Margaret Kartomi ‘What makes the research precious is that the tradition of making and playing the tulila is expected to become extinct by 2010’ – Himanshu Bhatt Edi Nasution hails from Gunung Tua-‐Muarasoro in Mandailing Julu (Upper Mandailing). He obtained a degree in ethnomusicology in 1995 from the University of North Sumatra in Medan, Indonesia. Areca Books, 2007 Music / Ethnography

Soft Cover, 16.5 cm x 24 cm, 202 pages

50 black-‐and-‐white illustrations and 43 musical notations

ISBN 978-‐983-‐42834-‐4-‐5 Price RM40

An accessible guide and source book on community water monitoring WATER WATCH: A COMMUNITY ACTION GUIDE Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis

Water problems of supply, contamination and waste are critical indicators of the limits of urban growth and flaws in urban development. This work is a source-‐book aimed at raising popular awareness of water problems and at empowering communities and individuals with simple ways of conserving and managing their water. Step-‐by-‐step illustrated instructions highlight how simple projects suitable for community-‐based organisations and schools can raise awareness and develop knowledge of local watercourses and watersheds. The book also contains a glossary, a selective bibliography and a directory of agencies around the world working with water. ‘The book will prove particularly valuable for schools, but can also be read with considerable benefit by anyone trying to reduce their home water consumption’ – Henry Barlow ‘a source-‐book aimed at raising popular awareness of water problems and at empowering communities and individuals with simple ways of conserving and managing their water‘ – Environment and Urbanization Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis is an author and environmentalist who advocates a cultural, indigenous wisdom, faith and nature-‐based approach to the environment. He is the author of ‘Environmental ethics in Islam’ in Towards an Environmental Ethic in Southeast Asia (1998) and an essay in The Encylopedia of Religion and Nature (2005). Asia-‐Pacific People's Environmental Network (APPEN), 1998

Environmental studies


Black/white illustrations

ISBN 983-‐99416-‐0-‐7

Price RM20

MISCELLANEOUS

22

PART I: PENANG TITLES

Title / Author ISBN Unit price

Qty Amount

1 Portraits of Penang: Little India / Ooi Cheng Ghee 978-‐967-‐5719-‐05-‐9 RM100

2 Heritage Trees of Penang / Simon Gardner, Pindar Sidisunthorn and Lai Ee May

978-‐967-‐5719-‐06-‐6 RM100

3 Hail, Penang! / George Bilainkin 978-‐967-‐57190-‐2-‐8 RM40

4 The Sara Saga / Manicasothy Saravanamuttu 978-‐967-‐57190-‐3-‐5 RM40

5 Giving Our Best: The Story of St George's Girls' School, Penang, 1885–2010 / Khoo Salma Nasution, Alison Hayes and Sehra Yeap Zimbulis

978-‐967-‐57190-‐4-‐2 RM100

6 More Than Merchants / Khoo Salma Nasution 978-‐983-‐42834-‐1-‐5 RM60

7 Days Gone By: Growing Up in Penang / Christine Wu Ramsay 978-‐983-‐42834-‐6-‐9 RM50

8 The Chinese in Penang / Tan Kim Hong 978-‐983-‐42834-‐7-‐6 RM120

9 Penang, Through Gilded Doors / Julia de Bierre and James Bain Smith

Penang, La Porte des Secrets / Julia de Bierre and James Bain Smith

978-‐983-‐42834-‐2-‐3

978-‐983-‐42834-‐3-‐1

RM80

RM80

10 Heritage Houses of Penang / Khoo Salma Nasution and Halim Berbar 978-‐981-‐23280-‐6-‐9 RM86

11 Streets of George Town, Penang / Khoo Su Nin 978-‐983-‐98860-‐0-‐9 RM35

12 Penang Postcards Collection: 1899–1930s / Khoo Salma Nasution and Malcolm Wade

978-‐983-‐28850-‐0-‐0 RM120

13 Penang Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways / Ric Francis and Colin Ganley 978-‐983-‐42834-‐0-‐7 RM50

14 A Tapestry of Baba Poetry (CD attached) / Johny Chee 978-‐983-‐42912-‐1-‐1 RM37

15 Penang and Its Region / Yeoh Seng Guan, Loh Wei Leng, Khoo Salma Nasution and Neil Khor (eds)

978-‐997-‐16942-‐3-‐4 RM45

16 Penang under the East India Company 1786–1858 / Andrew Barber 978-‐983-‐43372-‐2-‐3 RM110

17 English-‐Penang Hokkien Pocket Dictionary / Luc de Gijzel 978-‐983-‐44646-‐0-‐8 RM22

18 Learn To Speak... Hokkien Dialect / Tan Choon Hoe

Mari Belajar Bertutur ... Loghat Hokkien Pulau Pinang / Tan Choon Hoe

Penang Hokkien Dialect for Penangites & Tourists / Tan Choon Hoe

978-‐983-‐40774-‐0-‐2

978-‐983-‐40774-‐1-‐6

978-‐983-‐40774-‐3-‐3

RM20

RM18

RM23

19 Penang: Rites of Belonging in a Malaysian Chinese Community / Jean DeBernardi

978-‐9971-‐69-‐416-‐6

RM49

20 Great Dining in Penang 2 / Helen Ong 978-‐983-‐43915-‐1-‐5 RM28

21 Sun Yat Sen in Penang / Khoo Salma Nasution

— English Version

— Traditional Chinese Version

— Simplified Chinese Version

978-‐983-‐42834-‐8-‐3

978-‐967-‐57190-‐0-‐4

978-‐983-‐42834-‐9-‐0

RM30

RM30

RM30

22 Road To Dawn: Filming in Penang / Goh Mai Loon and Khoo Salma Nasution

978-‐983-‐42834-‐5-‐2 RM25

23 Bestowing Luck and Prosperity On All / Tan Lye Hoe 978-‐983-‐43661-‐2-‐4 RM100

ORDER FORM Individual Orders

All books published by Areca Books are available from good booksellers and other outlets. Your local bookseller can supply Areca Books’ titles from stock or can obtain them for you. Credit card orders can be placed by telephone on the contact numbers provided or by email.

Please note that all prices and publication dates in this catalogue are subject to revision without notice.

Trade Orders Booksellers can place trade orders with us via telephone, fax or email. Trade call: +60 (0)4 262 0123 / 261 0307 Trade fax: +60 (0)4 263 3970 Email trade orders: [email protected] Please contact us to discuss terms and POS material if you would like to run Areca Books promotions. We also like to have author events in bookshops.

23

PART II: PERAK TITLES


Qty Amount

24 Perak Postcards 1890s–1940s / Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis, Malcolm Wade and Khoo Salma Nasution

978-‐967-‐57190-‐1-‐1 RM120

25 Kinta Valley / Khoo Salma Nasution and Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis 978-‐983-‐42113-‐0-‐9 RM150

26 Raja Bilah and the Mandailings in Perak / Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis and Khoo Salma Nasution

978-‐967-‐99483-‐1-‐5 RM60

27 Ipoh When Tin Was King / Ho Tak Ming 978-‐983-‐42500-‐2-‐7 RM120

PART III: OTHER TITLES

CHILDREN


Qty Amount

28 Fatimah’s Kampung / Iain Buchanan

— Softcover

— Hardcover

978-‐983-‐30837-‐0-‐1

978-‐983-‐30838-‐9-‐3

RM65

RM95

29 The House Of Lizards, Natu The Chichak / Rebecca Duckett Wilkinson 978-‐983-‐34840-‐0-‐3 RM28

30 Our Malaysia: Multicultural Activity Book For Young Malaysians / Yazdi Jehangir Bankwala and M. Nadarajah

978-‐983-‐42472-‐0-‐1 RM15

THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS


Qty Amount

31 Straits Chinese Beadwork & Embroidery / Ho Wing Meng 978-‐9812-‐61-‐664-‐7 RM86

32 Straits Chinese Porcelain / Ho Wing Meng 978-‐9812-‐61-‐666-‐1 RM86

33 Straits Chinese Silver / Ho Wing Meng 978-‐9812-‐61-‐667-‐8 RM86

34 Straits Chinese Furniture / Ho Wing Meng 978-‐9812-‐61-‐665-‐4 RM86

35 Phoenix Rising: Narratives in Nonya Beadwork from the Straits Settlements / Cheah Hwei-‐Fe’n

— Softcover

— Hardcover

978-‐9971-‐69-‐468-‐5

978-‐9971-‐69-‐516-‐3

RM140

RM185

36 Trade and Society in the Straits of Melaka: Dutch Melaka and English Penang, 1780–1830 / Nordin Hussin

978-‐9971-‐69-‐354-‐1 RM55

MALAYSIA


Qty Amount

37 Malaya: The Making of a Nation / Andrew Barber 978-‐9834-‐3372-‐1-‐6 RM80

38 Photographing Malaysia / Tan Thye Siew and Jimmy Tan Eng Hin 978-‐983-‐43245-‐2-‐0 RM120

MISCELLANEOUS


Qty Amount

39 Tulila: Muzik Bujukan Mandailing / Edi Nasution 978-‐983-‐42834-‐4-‐5 RM40

40 Water Watch -‐ A Community Action Guide / Abdur-‐Razzaq Lubis 983-‐99416-‐0-‐7 RM20

24

Bain Smith, James 7

Barber, Andrew 10, 21

Berbar, Halim 7

Bestowing Luck and Prosperity On All 14

Bilainkin, George 4

Buchanan, Iain 17

Cheah Hwei-‐Fe’n 20

Chee, Johny 9

Chinese In Penang: A Pictorial History, The

6

Days Gone By: Growing Up in Penang 6

De Bierre, Julia 7

De Gijzel, Luc 11

DeBernardi, Jean 12

Duckett Wilkinson, Rebecca 17

English–Penang Hokkien Pocket Dictionary

11

Fatimah’s Kampung 17

Francis, Ric 9

Ganley, Colin 9

Gardner, Simon 3

Giving Our Best: The Story Of St George’s

Girls’ School, Penang, 1885–2010 5

Goh Mai Loon 13

Great Dining In Penang 2 12

Hail, Penang! 4

Hayes, Alison 5

Heritage Houses of Penang 7

Heritage Trees of Penang 3

Ho Tak Ming 16

Ho Wing Meng 19

House Of Lizards, Natu The Chichak, The 17

Ipoh When Tin Was King 16

Khoo Salma Nasution 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16

Khoo Su Nin see Khoo Salma Nasution

Khor, Neil 10

Kinta Valley: Pioneering Malaysia’s Modern

Development 15

Lai Ee May 3

Learn To Speak ... Penang Hokkien Dialect

11

Loh Wei Leng 10

Lubis, Abdur-‐Razzaq 15, 16, 22

Malaya: Making of a Nation 1510–1957 21

Mari Belajar Bertutur ... Loghat Hokkien

Pulau Pinang 11

More Than Merchants: A History of the

German-‐Speaking Community in Penang,

1800s–1940s 5

Nadarajah, M. 18

Nasution, Edi 22

Nordin Hussin 20

Ong, Helen 12

Ooi Cheng Ghee 3

Our Malaysia: Multi-‐Cultural Activity Book

For Young Malaysians 18

Penang and its Region: The Story of an

Asian Entrepot 10

Penang Hokkien Dialect for Penangites and

Tourists 11

Penang Postcard Collection 1899–1930s 8

Penang Through Gilded Doors 7

Penang Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways:

Municipal Transport History 1880s–1963

9

Penang Under the East India Company,

1786–1858 10

Penang: Rites of Belonging in a Malaysian

Chinese Community 12

Perak Postcards: 1890s–1940s 15

Phoenix Rising: Narratives in Nonya

Beadwork from the Straits Settlements

20

Photographing Malaysia 21

Portraits Of Penang: Little India 3

Raja Bilah and the Mandailings In Perak:

1875–1911 16

Ramsay, Christine Wu 6

Road To Dawn: Filming in Penang 13

Sara Saga, The 4

Saravanamuttu, Manicasothy 4

Sidisunthorn, Pindar 3

Straits Chinese Beadwork and Embroidery:

A Collector’s Guide 19

Straits Chinese Furniture: A Collector’s

Guide 19

Straits Chinese Porcelain: A Collector’s

Guide 19

Straits Chinese Silver: A Collector’s Guide

19

Streets Of George Town, Penang: An

Illustrated Guide To Penang’s City Streets

& Historic Attractions 8

Sun Yat Sen in Penang 13

Tan Choon Hoe 11

Tan Eng Hin, Jimmy 21

Tan Kim Hong 6

Tan Lye Hoe 14

Tan Thye Siew 21

Tapestry Of Baba Poetry, A 9

Trade and Society in the Straits Of Melaka:

Dutch Melaka and English Penang, 1780–

1830 20

Tulila: Muzik Bujukan Mandailing 22

Wade, Malcolm 8, 15

Water Watch: A Community Action Guide

22

Yazdi Jehangir Bankwala 18

Yeap Zimbulis, Sehra 5

Yeoh Seng Guan 10

INDEX

25

Areca Books

70–72 Lebuh Acheh George Town 10200 Penang

Malaysia Tel: +60 (0)4 261 0307

120 Lebuh Armenian

George Town 10200 Penang

Malaysia Tel: +60 (0)4 262 0123 Fax: +60 (0)4 263 3970

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.arecabooks.com

Text and design by Nazurah Hassan and Gareth Richards

areca books catalogue malaysia 2011

Documents

areca books editor

cofounder of areca books

email news of areca

heritage trees of penang

portraits of penang

history of perak

aspects of book design

social history