Product Description
Malaysia: A Pictorial History 1400­2004 documents the history of Malaysia from the beginning of the Melakan Sultanate approximately 600 years ago to the emergence of Malaysia as a modern nation during the last two centuries. The chief focus is on everyday life as it has been experienced by Malaysians of all classes and ethnic and cultural backgrounds.The period before 1850 is documented with sketches and maps and the later period is documented with photographs. Containing over 1,000 images, this book records not only people but also their dress, cultural and religious traditions and social relationships. It shows the changing physical environment in which people lived, such as traditional and modern buildings, and buildings with a mix of architectural influences. The appearance of some parts of the country has changed enormously because of a growing human population, a changing economy and also as a result of war. And yet the country has its idyllic and unchanging side too. The Malaysian peninsula is seen here through the eyes of the people who recorded it in sketches, paintings, engravings and photographs. Many of the first views produced by the 19th-century professionals were cartes de visite and studio portraits. As time moves forward and the nature of photography changed, much of the material becomes more journalistic, and this evolution of the photographic medium is part of the interest of the book. Indeed Malaysia: A Pictorial History will be of interest to all those in search of a vibrant, in-depth portrait of one of Southeast Asia¹s most important nations, as it was and as it is today.Highlights: Includes many rare images that have never been published before; Volume illustrated in full colour throughout; Historical record of Malaysia¹s social and economic transformation ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Malaysia on my Mind
Having been a frequent visitor to Malaysia for the past 27 years, this book presents a very detailed and comprehensive pictorial history of Malaysia.Unlike many books, it divides the various states and cities into separate sections thus one can follow their progress and development as the history of Malaysia unfolds. It emphasizes the important states and cities throughout various periods.Penang,as the important state during the early days and ending up with Kuala Lumpur in the late 20th century.This book captures the sound, aroma and the color of Malaysia as seen thru the hawker stalls, rubber plantations, the stately houses, and the padangs. Old pictures of Penang and its capital of Georgetown show the splendor of Beach Street, Northham Road, and the beaches that still exist for the most part today. After viewing this book, the reader will come to two conclusions.The book is sufficient to feel that one has visited Malaysia or it will urge a person to visit Malaysia to pursue the aftermath of the book.This is a book that should be part of any collection about Southeast Asia.

Malaysian in the USA
This is an excellent book, very evocative of the colonial past, as well as being up to date withh excellent photographs of all facets of Malaysain life. ... Read more

Product Description
During the past decade a number of historians have carried out fundamental work on various aspects of Malaysian history. These studies reflect the priorities of a new generation of scholars, both Malaysian and Western, whose primary interest is the development of the indigenous society. A history of Malaysia which incorporates recent research is long overdue and this book is intended to fill that gap.

This new history of Malaysia traces events in the Malay world from early times to the twentieth century and shows how they have contributed to the formation of modern Malaysia. The complex cultural heritage of Malaysia is shown to be decisive in shaping its history. But equally important is Malaysia's strategic position on an international trade route linking China, India, and the West. The changing world trade has been a determining factor in the growth and direction of Malaysia's political and social institutions.

In this book, basic new research data on the pre-1800 period gathered not only from European archives but also from an extensive study of indigenous manuscripts and legends are incorporated with a useful synthesis of better known secondary materials. It is therefore both an introductory textbook on Malaysian history and an original contribution to the literature on Malaysia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Contingent...
Alot of information that you may not care for if you really want to know about the people of Malaysia per say. I do recommend it however, if you are interested in why another part of the world withdraws from Western culture, or why Western influence is so prominent in Malaysia.

Not a Good History Book
This is a long boring tome on Malaysian history filled with a plethora of incomprehensible names of people and places.The minute details, instead of enlightening, cause one to find it hard not to fall asleep - much less make any sense out of what the authors are trying to relate.The 344 pages of text could have been easily reduced by 50%, thus making the book much easier to read & understand.The authors swamp the reader with so many useless insignificant details that it is almost impossible to glean any useful information from this tediously long book.Given the fact that this gobbledygook is a 2nd edition, the first having been written 20 years ago, it is hard to believe that there could have been much demand for a revised look at Malaysia's history.I had hoped to use this book in one of my university history courses on Southeast Asia.There is no way I would inflict such esoteric pedagogic claptrap on my students.

Malaysian History To Take With a Grain of Salt
I read this work in Malaysia in 1998 as a student in a Universiti Malaya graduate program through the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College.This is a Malaysian government and academic favorite, as was very quickly made clear to me, but not for its academic depth or the purely sholarly tackling of contentioius historical issues.Quite the contrary, this book is a favorite due to its smooth, polished, there-are-never-nor-have-there-ever-been-problems approach to modern Malaysian history.

This is a popular book as it is a recently published history, which implies it is full of new research.Not so.A quick study of the source references shows precious little primary resources, and a great deal of secondary sources; the book is a collection of previous histories.This is not to say it is worthless.The book is indeed an adequate, up-to-date introduction to the basic issues and facts of Malaysian history, and as such is acceptable.But what you will not find is anything even remotely controversial or unflattering about Malaysia and Malaysians, especially the country under Mahathir.The thrust of this book is that all is well in Malaysia, all has been well, and the future is rosy indeed for all.Tragic and unfortunate events are not addressed.For example, the description of the politically-driven ethnic riots of the 60s is very poorly done, with the blame for the mob murders ofhundreds of ethnic Chinese apparently being placed upon the Chinese for starting the trouble in the first place (an issue itself in doubt).

The glossing-over of controversy is fairly recognizable throughout the book, which soon enough becomes a pro-Malay bias.This eventually taints the book as a serious and balanced work of historical research, but keeps it on Malaysian bookshelves.If it were totally unbiased, direct, aggressive, and unflinching in examining and reporting Malaysian history, it would also be banned there.

Haven't read the book
Based on Mr. Shamsul Akmar's editorial commentary from daily English based newspaper The Star in peninsular Malaysia, is this book really worth reading?

Extremely important book but rather dated.A must read though
This is an excellent historical introduction to Malaysia's past. It is a must read for anyone interested on Malaysia. However, if you are looking for an history of history writing and historical interpretation in Malaysiain this book then you would be disappointed. We usually wish a lot morefrom such a good book. Nonetheless, the book badly needs a revised edition,after it appeared nearly 16 years ago. A solid contribution. ... Read more

Product Description
The origins of Malaysia's aboriginal peoples, the years of Western domination in the country, and the forceful political stance of its current leader are all outlined in this lively and informative account of Malaysia's history and politics. A concise and accessible look at this constantly changing country, this book is perfect for travelers, students, teachers, and businesspeople. Discussed are the major trends in its contemporary political life and the challenges the country faces in the 21st century as Malaysia serves as a model for rapid modernization. The lives of individuals from various time periods are examined to create a complete picture of Malaysia. Also included are maps and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good background, clearly pro-Malaysia
In preparation for a trip to Malaysia, this helped me understand the history and current outlook and issues.Not really a FUN read, but it seems to be well-written and useful to understanding the country.But I'm not an expert. ... Read more

Product Description
In this fully updated, second edition of Crossroads, Jim Baker adds two new chapters that bring Malaysia and Singapore into the middle of the first decade of the 21st century. The original text (which traces the complex currents of history and politics of Malaysia and Singapore neighbours with a common past) is also revised to re-evaluate events in the context of an expanded history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

nice work!
(see KKJ's review as well)
Am also a former student of Baker's (in Singapore a long long time ago) and I have to say, he definitely IS the one to write a book on S'pore/Malaysia.Cheers to you Mr B.Or may we call you "Jim" now?:)

I'm sure it is a five star book!
Of all peeps to write a book about Singapore and Malaysia history this would be the man. I just ordered it and now I wait. Mr. Baker has always stood out to me as a great teacher. I had the privilege of being taught by him, I was never a history buff or even interested in becoming one. After having to take four classes of his in my senior year, due to my previous years performances, I can now say history intrigues me. I look forward to reading this. Class of 1988

Fantastic!
Baker spins a tale as dizzying as it is captivating; as intoxicating as it is true.The twists just keep on coming.This is the best thing since Goosebumps.

Great Book
This is a wonderful book as Jim Baker knows what he is talking about as he has lived in Singapore his entire life (60-70 years).So, naturally, some of the history of Singapore he knows first-handed, as he acurately describes how the nation became a first world country.This gives the truthful and honest facts of both Singapore and Malaysia as it is a must read for anyone looking for the best info. on these two nations.

This book is great
This book is wonderful, as it fully explains the history of Singapore and some wonderful facts, not commonly found within many other books on Singapore.Jim Baker is an excellent teacher and writer, talking about the thing he knows best, Singapore, as he has lived there his whole life.This is the book to go to for the true and honest facts of both Singapore and Malaysia.A must read. ... Read more

Product Description
The three and a half years of Japanese rule in Malaya following the routing of the British, Dutch and Americans are generally considered to mark a profound transition in the history of the peninsula, but little is known about the period. This text aims to flesh-out the story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Scholarly Work on Malaya During World War II
I'm not sure for whom this book is intended as it obviously will atract relatively few purchasers.It is the story of the Japanese occupation of Malaya from 1942 to 1945 from a political and economic viewpoint and its impact on the Malayan population.Military historians will find this work only of minimal value, and historians concerned with the development of Far Eastern nations will probably skip over much of the information contained within as being of only moderate value since Malaysia did not fully receive its independence until 1963.

The Japanese occupation was initially brutal and repressive, but administration was carried out generally by communal organizations and pre-war administrative structures.About 60% of the population was Malay, 30% Chinese and the remainder Indian, mostly Tamil.Most of the population collaborated with the Japanese, generally out of necessity, and the Japanese occupation was seen as a time simply for survival.The Japanese were often inept and introduced measures that alienated the population, and as the natural resources far exceeded Japan's use for those resources, the termination of trade that Malaya had been dependent upon before the war caused severe economic difficulties.Although the Japanese ocupying forces were able to maintain order, Malaya was not self-sufficient and suffered increasing shortages of food and basic goods.The problem of self-sufficiency was intractable, and high unemployment, inflation, and a raging black market resulted.By 1945, the situation for the Malaya population was grim.

This work is based on relatively sparce source materials, first because the British destroyed most records when evacuating in 1941 and 1942, secondly the Japanese destroyed many records immediately following their surrender in August, 1945, and thirdly the British destroyed much of what was left after the War Damage Commission was through with the records in 1953.Alas, such is often the dilemma facing historians.Nonetheless, the author has performed excellent work is reconstructing the period from what was left.Much of the information was obtained through published memoirs and interviews.

I found this work to be more interesting than I had expected in that it gave me an appreciation of the occupation as seen by the Malayans.There are many maps, tables, and technical discussions, and an initial light read (or scan) is probably appropriate to decide on what to study.As such this book is a useful resource,There was evidence of a moral decline during the occupation in which making money (for survival) was paramount, and often loyalty did not extend before the family or community.The history of the occupation became "taught" (and modified) after the occupation for various reasons until the population's remembrance of the occupation became conflicted and confused.This work attempts to sort all that out.

In short I recommend this book to serious students of World War II in Asia, particularly to those interested in the people of Malaya and Southeast Asia.Americans in general are not familiar with that area and its history, and this book sheds some very definitive light on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
An Economic History of Malaysia, 1800-1990 provides the first general history of the Malaysian economy over the past two centuries, including a survey of the pre-colonial era. A unique feature is that it integrates the historical experiences of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak as a case study in the onset of economic growth. Particular attention is paid to explaining Malaysia's signal success in achieving a relatively smooth shift away from the primary commodity export economy of the colonial period to near-NIC status by 1990. ... Read more

Product Description
The complex social, political and economic problems which Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei face in the 1ate 1980's are seen from an historical perspective in this very readable account. Mary Turnbull traces events in the area from first occupation 50,000 years ago, through the rise of Melaka as an important trade centre, the impact of colonialism and the growth of British interest in the 18th and 19th centuries, to the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia and the dilemmas of the present day. Readership - students of South East Asian history. Mary Turnbull traces events in the area from first occupation 50,000 years ago, through the rise of Melaka as an important trade centre, the impact of colonialism and the growth of British interest in the 18th and 19th centuries, to the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia and the dilemmas of the present day. C. Mary Turnball, until recently Professor of History at the University of Hong Kong, has produced a stimulating book which will be of particular interest to students, business people and tourists, but also to those general readers who want to gain a greater understanding of Asia today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

History as a captivating story!
Here's a history book with a real difference. History becomes a captivating story. There are no dates to remember for they're all tucked safely at the back of the book. Through scenes and dialogue, Malaysian history comes alive for children (and grownups too). It's a must read for anyone interested in Malaysian history. It's written by Tunku Halim who has authored novels and short stories set in Malaysia. ... Read more

Product Description
Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Malaysia," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Malaysia in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Malaysia when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name Malaysia, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. ... Read more

Product Description
This text contains an examination of processes of cultural citizenship in peninsular Malaysia. ... Read more

Product Description
Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Malaysia," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Malaysia in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Malaysia when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name Malaysia, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

education in Titi
i just want to know about education in Titi, Jelebu ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: History of Kuala Lumpur, May 13 Incident, Yap Ah Loy, Yap Kwan Seng, Klang War, Yap Ah Shak, Raf Kuala Lumpur, Dataran Merdeka, Campbell Shopping Complex Fire, 1975 Aia Building Hostage Crisis. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 49. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The May 13 Incident is a term for the Sino-Malay sectarian violences in Kuala Lumpur (then part of the state of Selangor), Malaysia, which began on May 13, 1969. The riots led to a declaration of a state of national emergency and suspension of Parliament by the Malaysian government, while the National Operations Council (NOC or Majlis Gerakan Negara, MAGERAN) was established to temporarily govern the country between 1969 and 1971. Officially, 196 people were killed between May 13 and July 31 as a result of the riots, although journalists and other observers have stated much higher figures. Other reports at the time suggest over 2,000 were killed by rioters, police and Malaysian Army rangers, mainly in Kuala Lumpur. Many of the dead were quickly buried in unmarked graves in the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital grounds by soldiers of Malaysian Engineers. The government cited the riots as the main cause of its more aggressive affirmative action policies, such as the New Economic Policy (NEP), after 1969. On its formation in 1963, Malaysia, a federation incorporating Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia), Singapore, North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak, suffered from a sharp division of wealth between the Chinese, who were perceived to control a large portion of the Malaysian economy, and the Malays, who were perceived to be more poor and rural. The 1964 Race Riots in Singapore contributed to the expulsion of that state from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and racial tension continued to simmer, with many Malays dissatisfied by their new...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=439841 ... Read more