Malaysia Books

This is the second in the series of three autobiographical books by Tan. It is honest and non pretentious, and gives a vivid account of his escapades as the chauffeur with the British High Commission offices in Kuala Lumpur and Penang and his various stints in Kuala Lumpur before becoming a successful poultry and egg wholesaler in Singapore. The setting is the late 50s and early 60s.

A well written narrative about the British troops fighting overwhelming Japanese forces as they withdraw into Singapore. Extraordinarily detailed and strong in the oral tradition of history. Plain to see that years of research and documentation gives the real truth of what happened on the front lines as the British Empire collapsed in Malaya. Authors also give vivid accounts of the prisoners used as slaves by the Japanese on the infamous "Death Railway." One can readily see the day by day account as these gallant men fought and died... and then were abandoned and falsely maligned by their country's leaders.

Ms. Nicholson deftly gathers some thiry years of diaries, letters and clippings and knowlegly weaves them into the great and small events in victorian england. Marion Sanborne, wife of Linley Sanborne the Punch illustrater, began a diary in 1881 and through it you get an understanding of what life was like for a woman who was neither famous or infamous. Fasinating insights into daily life. Visitors to London can visit her preserved home which houses the England Victorian Society. Ive read it through three times- love the problems with servants and linleys early use of photos

Similar in layout to the other New Holland guides. Thereby making it obvious that it is not intended for the scientist. Small and handy, perfect for a pocket. However, do not think it only covers a small number of the best known mammals. Several newly discovered mammals are included (e.g. a strange ungulate called the Saola, and a beautifully striped rabbit only discovered in the late 1990's). Most of these are interesting but would never be encountered by the "normal backpacker". Several rarities are also included for example the Lesser One-horned Rhino, of which it is believed that only approx. 60 individuals survives. Almost all of the larger mammals known to occur in this region are described individually with at least one (usually very good) colour photo. The small number of large species not described are almost always mentioned in the description of a relative. The smaller mammals (bats, insectivores etc.) are described in groups (also with at least one photo) usually comprising a genus. The text is strait forward and easy to read for everybody with average English skills. However do not forget your glasses, the text is very small! The text itself is good and actually quite long with the books size in mind. It usually comprises of id, range (no maps!), behaviour, habitat etc. Each species description (incl. photo) comprises 2-1/2 page. A great thing for the novice is the use of easily recognisable thumbnails (an example being deer). Thereby it shouldn't be a problem finding the species your looking for. In the intro of the book a chapter speaks about finding and observing mammals, and 31 national parks or reserves are also mentioned briefly. The thing I find most annoying is the very small number of dark or unclear photos. Another thing to remember is that the book doesn't included whales or dolphins other than the one species which regularly enters fresh water. With the prise and size in mind everybody travelling to this area should bring a copy.

I found this book very useful in understanding much about the prehistory of the Indo-Malaysian Archipelago. It was in depth and easily read. I was especially interested in the animistic beliefs the Negritos held, and found it amazing that even christianity had to be adjusted to fit around their strong belief in animism later on in modern history.

The eight chapters in this volume challenge us to rethink Malaysia as well as received wisdom about Malaysia. In different ways, all eight involve rethinking Malaysia with a view to changing Malaysia for the better, i.e. reinventing Malaysia. This is not an instance of the collective will urging a reinvention of the nation, but rather of various individual voices speaking out against the inadequacies of past notions and previous conceptions in favour of a more forward-looking view of the world and, yes, of the nation. This book offers much unexpected complementarities as well as coherence. More importantly, all offer analyses which seem to be useful, if not necessary for forging a new Malaysia capable of facing and overcoming the challenges it faces as it enters a new decade and century bound to be unlike the last one. Rapid economic growth and structural change, new political contradictions and options, as well as social and cultural metamorphoses, seemingly accelerated by the compression of space and time made possible by new technologies will undoubtedly pose new challenges for Malaysia as well as for students of the nation. Will Malaysia be sufficiently reinvented for these challenges? And will such analyses contribute enough to reinventing Malaysia?

JOMO K.S., Ph.D is Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, Universiti Malaya.

This book will be of interest to readers in cultural and political studies, especially those who are keen to understand some of the developmental dynamics that affect ordinary Malaysians and issues which constitute the basis as well as the nascent elements for contemporary dissent against entrenched ideologies, rubrics and systems.

The book explores the vexing question of Malaysian nation-building, governance and development by focussing on issues produced by the intersections of identity politics, ethnicity, civil society and modernization

Definately recommended.

Tiger is most ferocious when it is defending its cubs.

In this story Sandokan, the Tiger of Malaysia is searching the daughter of his friend Tremal-Naik; and like a mother tiger he is ready to do anything to save the child.

They are travelling through India, inflame with Sepoy-rebellion, in attempt to stop evil Suyodhana forcing young Darma to take her mothers place as the Guardian of the Temple of the East.

Semai: A Nonviolent People of Malaya is an Ethnography of the Semai (an indigenous people of South East Asia). The Semai are oart of the Orang Asli still living in Malaysia. Dentan bases the book on his own experiences with the Semai; describing their culture, technology and effect of the Western world on their way of life. The book is a little dated (as it was written in the 1970's). But documents a little known piece of humanity well. If native peoples, humanitarian causes and South East Asian culture are of interest to you, I recommend this book highly. There are other books on this topic on this site (just do a keyword search for Semai).

This book is a collection of essays written by a well-known social anthropologist, the late M. G. Swift. Collected, edited and introduced by Professor Shamsul A. B. one of Swift's former student.

The essays in this volume deals with economic anthropology, the relation of economy to society in the rural communities and the relationship between economic theory and the theory of social relations. Student, researchers, planners, administrator and the lay public will find the issues of economic and social changes discussed in these essays not only interesting but significant in helping them understand the nature of Malay society and its response to the modern world.

Strongly recommended.