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