Summary

Old Singapore provides a vivid description of the social and cultural aspects of the city, culled from the impressions left behind by travelers in the region in the early years of the settlement. Founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Singapore confirmed British control of the Malayan peninsula. Drawing on the impressions of a century of visitors and over 40 contemporary illustrations, this is an interesting sketch of the planning and construction of Singapore, and its development into a thriving port. In addition to recalling its major landmarks and places of interest, there are details of Singapore's peoples, whose customs, trades, and lifestyles gave the city-state its unique atmosphere.