The story of modern Singapore as told through its living heritage is
encapsulated in this handsome book, published to coincide with the 200th
anniversary of Singapore's founding as a city-state. Today's vibrant,
cosmopolitan country developed a singular identity through the many
colourful 'ingredients' outlined in this book. Starting with the
founding of modern Singapore by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, we review
the many events, people artefacts, legends and lifestyles of pre and
post 1819 that contributed to make Singapore the unique city it is
today. This is the first book to encompass all aspects of Singaporean
heritage -- be it artistic, cultural or natural heritage. Historic
personages, monuments, architecture and the arts, cultures and
traditions, and flora and fauna are all covered in their many facets.
The book showcases how much of 1800s and early 1900s Singapore remains
today, thereby presenting a lesser-known side to the city-state -- one
that is surprisingly historic and richly evocative, a different face to
a place more often associated with a stark modernity. Insightful, lively
texts by museum director and heritage expert, Kennie Ting, are
accompanied by archival images, contemporary photographs, maps and more,
to present a comprehensive picture of the city-state -- past and
present.
