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Areca Books
is a rapidly-growing niche publisher based in Penang, Malaysia.
A number of our publications are pioneering works in trans-local
history, cultural heritage and environment. Our books are well-researched
and richly-illustrated, appealing to popular readers as well as
academic researchers of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
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Released
on 7 July 2011 in conjunction with the anniversary of the UNESCO
World Heritage listing of George Town, Penang.
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Heritage
Trees of Penang
Simon Gardner, Pindar Sidisunthorn and Lai Ee May
Price
RM100
2011, Areca Books
Hardcover
21.0 x 26.5 cm (8.3 x 10.4 in)
xiv + 397 pages
1200 colour photographs and 72 original watercolours
ISBN 978-967-5719-06-6
A
celebration of 200 trees which form an integral part of the natural,
cultural and urban heritage of Penang. This unique book covers a
wide range of both forest and cultivated species, each with a special
story to tell. Taken as a whole Heritage Trees of Penang weaves
a rich tapestry of the past and present that demonstrates why Penang
is such a remarkable place. Richly illustrated with 72 original
watercolours and over 1,200 photographs, this invaluable guide is
a beautiful and authoritative companion to Penang's botanical inheritance.
'a
first publication of its kind in Malaysia' - Lim Guan Eng, Chief
Minister of Penang
'timely
and valuable publication on the identification of the trees in Penang'
- Kanda Kumar, Malaysian Nature Society
Book
Launch
Heritage
Trees of Penang was officially launched by TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama
(Dr) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas, The Governor of the State
of Penang on 7 July 2011 at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang
- as part of the third anniversary celebration of George Town as
a world heritage site.
Exhibition
A
small exhibition of watercolours by Pindar Sidisunthorn from Heritage
Trees of Penang is on display at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel
(7-31 July 2011) and then permanently at Penang Botanic Gardens.
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Portraits
of Penang: Little India
Photographs
by Ooi Cheng Ghee
Texts by Gareth Richards and Himanshu Bhatt
Price
RM 100
2011, Areca Books
Hardcover with dust jacket
29.2 x 27.1 cm (11.5 x 10.5 in)
xiv + 214 pages
160 black-and-white images
ISBN 978-967-5719-05-9
In
1979 Ooi Cheng Ghee spent a year exploring the streets of Little
India, Penang with a particular way of seeing and his trusted Leica
camera. It was not only a journey of discovery but a kind a conversation
with the diverse community that inhabited the enclave. Juxtaposing
people and streetscapes, his images capture the essence and dynamism
of a singular place. With accompanying essays and commentaries on
the photographs, this beautifully designed volume both documents
and celebrates Little India with affection
and humanity.
This
is a beautifully designed, hardcover book with 160 black-and-white
fine art photographs and accompanying essays and commentaries on
the images. Portraits of Penang: Little India is destined
to become one of the classics of social documentary photography.
'This is not only a work of art; it is a personal statement by an
observant and intuitive artist, perceptive of the moods and sensitivities
of a culture that is living' — Andrew Sheng
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Perak
Postcards 1890s-1940s
Abdur-Razzaq Lubis, Malcolm Wade & Khoo Salma Nasution
Price
RM120
2010, Areca Books
Hardcover, 25.8cm x 28.6 cm, 336 pages
575 postcards including a few stationeries and real photos
Index included
ISBN 978-967-5719-01-1
'This
is a beautifully produced book, with many postcards never seen before.
If you want a first-class record of Perak's past then this is where
you should invest your money. It beats any other volume produced
so far' - IpohWorld
'One
of the glories of this book is that the authors' expertise is brought
to bear on every image, each one carefully sourced, dated and historically
interpreted. It’s ... like a rolling story that you can dip in and
out of at your leisure' - Ilsa
Sharp
'The
book leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that at one time Perak really
did have an amazing array of heritage buildings, streets, public
gardens, recreation areas and a wide array of grand landscapes.
Anyone who buys this book will therefore have no need for faded
memories as it covers all that any could wish for regarding our
heritage' - Ian
Anderson, *Ipoh
Echo*
'A
lovely volume ... offering all sorts of historical byways which
will be mined for years to come.... a real contribution to Perak
history (as well as of course philatelic and postal history)' -
Geoff Wade
Dr
Geoff Wade is an historian with interests in Sino-Southeast Asian
historical interactions and comparative historiography, based at
the Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore.
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Giving
Our Best:
The Story of St George's
Girls' School, Penang, 1885-2010
Khoo
Salma Nasution, Alison Hayes & Sehra Yeap Zimbulis
Price
RM100
2010 Areca Books
Hardcover, 25.5cm x 25.5cm (10.1' x 10.1'), 231 pages
500 black and white as well as colour illustrations
ISBN 978-967-5719-04-2
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The
Sara Saga
Manicasothy Saravanamuttu
Price
RM40
2010, Areca Books
Hardcover, 15cm x 21.6cm, 312 pages,
58 black & white illustrations.
Includes index.
ISBN 978–967–5719–03–5
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Hail,
Penang!
George Bilainkin
Price
RM40
2010, Areca Books
Hardcover, 15cm x 21.6cm, 304 pages,
56 black & white illustrations.
Includes index.
ISBN 978–967–5719–02–8
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Penang
under the East India Company
Andrew
Barber
Price:
RM 110
2009. AB&A.
Hardcover, 22 x 25.5 cm, 159 pages
ISBN No: 978-983-43372-2-3
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George
Town
World Heritage
Site Map
Second
edition
(January 2010)
now available!
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: A2 size - 420 x 610mm
(app. 16.5 x 24 inches)
Folded, 118.8 x 210 mm
(app. 4.6 x 8.25 inches)
Click
here for price list
and more info.
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George
Town World Heritage Site Map
Second
edition (January 2010) now available!
•
Provides accurate and useful information about the World Heritage
Site
• publicizes Penang's tourism amenities, heritage attractions, eco-attractions,
community organizations and supporting services
• enhances the image of George Town and Penang's as a two-in-one
destination with strong cultural tourism and beach resort attractions.
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Penang
and Its Region
Yeoh Seng Guan, Loh Wei Leng, Khoo Salma Nasution & Neil Khor,
editors
Price:
RM45
2009. Nasional University of Singapore
Soft cover, 15 x 23 cm, 284 pages,
11 black and white illustrations
ISBN No: 978-9971-69-423-4
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Fatimah's
Kampung
Iain Buchanan
Price:
RM65
2009. Consumer Association of Penang
Soft cover, 29.5 x 20.9 cm, 120 pages, 110 colour illustrations
ISBN No: 978-983-3083-70-1
Price:
RM95
2009. Consumer Association of Penang
Hard cover, 30.7 x 21.9 cm, 120 pages, 110 colour illustrations
ISBN No: 978-983-3083-89-3
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IPOH
When tin was king
Ho Tak Ming
Price:
RM120
2009. Perak Academy
Soft cover, 16 x 23.5 cm, 724 pages,
230 black and white and 1 colour illustrations
ISBN No: 978-981-23280-6-9
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Heritage
Houses of Penang
Khoo Salma Nasution & Halim Berbar
Price:
RM86
2009. Marshall Cavendish Editions
Soft
cover, 22.2 x 24 cm, 128 pages,
141 colour illustrations
ISBN No: 978-981-23280-6-9
Penang
famed as the Pearl of the Orient, has been the meeting place of
cultural currents from India and China, as well as insular and mainland
Southeast Asia. As a key commercial port of the British East India
Company from 1786, it was drawn into the international trading route.
Ship captains and seafaring merchants chose to retreat to this strategically
situated island, while miners and planters who made their fortunes
in neighbouring lands built their incredible homes here. Penang’s
capital, the port city of George Town, is now a World Heritage Site,
reflecting its rich history, vernacular architecture and its own
unique version of multiculturalism. This book celebrates the distinctive
architecture and lifestyle of the heritage houses of Penang.
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English-Penang
Hokkien Pocket Dictionary
Luc
de Gijzel
Price:
RM22
2009.
Luc de Gijzel
Soft
cover, 10.8 x 16 cm, 211 pages,
ISBN
No: 978-983-44646-0-8
Penang
Hokkien is a unique dialect that is widely spoken on Penang Island.
Settlers from the Fujian Province in Southern China brought their
language to the formerly British trading port. In this melting pot
of languages and cultures, Hokkien is exposed to a diversity of
influences. The enriched vocabulary and colourful local expressions
give Penang Hokkien its distinct character.
The
English-Penang Hokkien Pocket Dictionary provides the tourist,
student and native speaker with a practical reference for Penang
Hokkien words and phrases. Hokkien is written in the established
missionary spelling (POJ). With over 4,000 entries and supplementary
chapters on words by theme, phrases and grammar, this accessible
dictionary will prove invaluable to anyone wishing to speak Penang
Hokkien.
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Sun
Yat Sen in Penang
Khoo
Salma Nasution
Price: RM30
English edition 978-983-42834-8-3
Chinese edition 978-983-42834-9-0
‘You
can help shoulder the responsibility of saving our country by donating
your money, while our comrades in our country are sacrificing their
lives.’ — Dr. Sun Yat Sen in Penang, 1910
The
Second Guangzhou Uprising (also called the Canton March 29 Uprising),
a turning point of the 1911 Chinese Revolution, was planned from
a place 2,400 km away — in Penang in present-day Malaysia.
As
a young revolutionary, Dr. Sun Yat Sen travelled widely and lived
amongst the Chinese communities abroad, including Japan, North America
and Southeast Asia. He mobilized the overseas Chinese with the dream
of saving the Chinese nation.
In
1910, when success seemed most remote, Dr. Sun turned to his followers
in Penang. The Penang Philomatic Union became the Tongmenghui party's
Nanyang Headquarters, raising funds and fighters for the Second
Guangzhou Uprising and acting decisively to help consolidate the
Xinhai Revolution.
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Helen
Ong's Great Dining in Penang
Helen
Ong
Price: RM28
ISBN: 978-983-43915-0-8
Freelance
writer and food reviewer Helen Ong has come up with a book to show
that the island has many more culinary delights to offer apart from
hawker food. … ‘nicely illustrated and attractive…’
- Carolyn Ooi, The Star, 26 April 2008
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Bestowing
Luck & Prosperity On All
Tan Lye Ho
Price RM 100
ISBN 978-983-43661-2-4
Hock
Teik Cheng Sin Temple was founded in 1844 for the worship of Toa
Pek Kong, patron saint of the Kian Teik Tong. The latter is the
Hokkien Secret Society which challenged the Ghee Hin secret society
in the Penang Riots of 1867.
The
commemorative publication celebrates the completion of the restoration
of the temple. It contains a brief historical essay by Tan Kim Hong,
and an essay on the architectural significance by Tan Yeow Wooi,
who is also responsible for the wonderful photography. The timeline
of the temple is researched from land titles and other historical
documents. The lists of festivals, trustees, and affiliated associations
provide insight into 19th century Hokkien socio-religious organisations
in Penang.
The
book is extensively illustrated with photos of the archaeology and
restoration process, building plans, temple architecture, calligraphic
plaques, altars and ceremonies. A meticulous piece of documentation,
it is essential reading for anyone interested in Chinese religions,
Overseas Chinese traditions and Penang history. – Khoo Salma
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The
Chinese in Penang: A Pictorial History
Tan Kim Hong
Price: RM 120
ISBN: 978-983-42834-7-6
…an
important contribution to Malaysian history… should be incorporated
in history lessons taught in schools.
Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon, 2008
...offers
interesting insight to the growth of the Chinese community in Penang.
Dr Lee Kam Hing, The Star, March 2, 2008
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Days
Gone By: Growing Up in Penang
Christine
Wu Ramsay
Price: RM 50
ISBN: 978-983-42834-6-9
A
patriarch makes a fortune in tin-mining and the next two generations
squander it.... This classic Malaysian Chinese family saga makes
a compelling biography.
Choong Kwee Kim, The Star, 11 November 2007
…lively
anecdotal style …first-hand perspective…
Leslie A.K. James, Penang Heritage Trust newsletter Issue No. 92
1 January 2008
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Road
To Dawn: Filming in Penang
Goh
Mai Loon & Khoo Salma Nasution
Price:
RM25
ISBN: 978-983-42834-5-2
PLUS
Road To Dawn: Movie DVD normal price RM19.90
Special
gift pack! RM40
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Streets
of George Town, Penang:
An Illustrated Guide to Penang's City Streets & Historic Attractions
Khoo
Su Nin @ Khoo Salma Nasution
Price:
RM35
ISBN: 983-9886-00-2
Fourth
print, 15,000 copies sold!
To
really understand this fascinating port, buy a copy of Khoo Su Nin's
guide...
John Borthwick, Australian travel writer
…made
Khoo a local celebrity and helped rekindle civic interest in documenting
and preserving the island's rich architectural heritage.
Katherine Tanko, International Herald Tribune
…an
eye-opening guide, particularly for children of Penang who know
little, or nothing, about its lively history.
Tan Gim Ean, New Straits Times
…sets
the gold standard for history-freighted local guide books… using
it on a recent stay on the island, I found my walks about the place
positively enriched.
- David Jardine, Jakarta
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Penang
Postcards Collection: 1899-1930s
Khoo
Salma Nasution & Malcolm Wade
Price:
RM120
ISBN: 983-2885-00-0
Every
once in a while, a book comes along that surpasses expectations…
Serious collectors or scholars of postcards (deltiologists, as they
are called), as well as casual readers, are sure to delight in this
richly illustrated and beautifully designed volume.
Peter Zabielskis, Phd Anthropology, New York University, The
Star, 13 March 2005
…one
that you would read again and again [for] its captivating and rare
images.
Clarence Y. K. Ngui, Malaysian Business, September 1, 2003
…important
for schools and history studies in Malaysia…
Datuk Zawiyah Baba, Malaysian National Library director-general,
The Star, 26 July 2003.
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Penang,
Through Gilded Doors
Julia
de Bierre & James Bain Smith
Price (in Malaysia): RM80
ISBN: 983-42834-2-3
…gorgeous
and lavishly illustrated book.
Lonely Planet
…offers
not only a magical 'tour' of Penang's famed sights, but gives detailed
insights into the life of the island's people…
Marina Emmanuel, New Straits Times, 3 December 2006
superb
photographs… a guide-book for the more discerning tourist and for
the more constricted Penangite.
Pamela Ong, The Star, 10 December 2006
French
edition!
Penang, La Porte des Secrets
Julia de Bierre & James Bain Smith
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Penang
Trams, Trolleybuses & Railways: Municipal Transport History
1880s-1963
Ric
Francis & Colin Ganley
Price:
RM50 / A$44
ISBN: 983-42834-0-7
…a
'must read' for fans of public transport in the colonial era. David
Hope, UK Magazine Classic Bus, May-June 2006
The
pivotal role played by the transport network in the growth of the
island's economy, social and cultural life is showcased by the authors
with great detail and painstaking research.
Marina Emmanuel, New Straits Times, 22 January 2006
…excellent
book…truly amazing…
Leong Shen-Li, The Star, Sunday, 2 April 2006
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More
Than Merchants
A History of the German-speaking Community in Penang 1800s-1940s
Khoo
Salma Nasution
Price: RM 60
Price in Germany: Euro 29
ISBN:
983-42834-1-5
The
book serves more than simply serving tribute to the close-knit German-speaking
mercantile community… Khoo has also successfully conveyed their
courage and fortitude as merchants in facing the fate that befell
them and their enterprises caused by the international repercussions
of European politics.
Marina Emmanuel, New Straits Times, 26 March 2006
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Kinta
Valley: Pioneering Malaysia’s Modern Development
Khoo
Salma Nasution & Abdur-Razzaq Lubis
Preface by Wang Gungwu
Price:
RM150
ISBN: 983-42113-09
A
local history that brings a region alive again and, for me, one
that makes you re-live what you have left behind, has done its job.
This is such a book.
Wang Gungwu, East Asian Institute, Singapore, 28 December 2004
Kinta's
story is central to that of modern Malaysia, and this "local
history" is thus a contribution to national history as well.
Barbara Andaya, Professor of Asian History at University of Hawaii,
The Star, Sunday, 2 July 2006
This
handsomely produced book provides the fullest account ever written,
or likely to be written, on the history of the Kinta Valley. Lucky
the district to have its history so comprehensively and excellently
catalogued as has been done for Kinta.
H. S. Barlow, JMBRAS Vol: 78 Part 2 2005
In
all, an excellent book to read from cover to cover…
Malaysian Culture Group, February 2006
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Raja
Bilah and the Mandailings in Perak: 1875-1911
Abdur-Razzaq
Lubis & Khoo Salma Nasution
Preface by Khoo Kay Kim
Price:
RM60
ISBN: 967-9948-31-5
…
an important watershed in the local and national historiography
of Malaysia … It has undoubtedly set a high standard for scholarship
on the writing of Malaysian local histories that is deserving of
emulation.
Koh Keng We, University of Hawaii at Manoa, JSEAS (Journal of Southeast
Asian Studies) Vol 36 No: 3 Oct 2005
This
fact-stuffed, quickly paced biography… goes considerably beyond
a simple narration of a life. Therein lies the volume's value to
scholars of both Indonesia and Malaysia-nations…
Susan Rodgers, Indonesia 80 (October 2005)
…an
unexpectedly rich and interesting account of an important period
in Malay history …a rare indigenous viewpoint of events…
Dr Leonard Y. Andaya, Professor of South-East Asian History, Department
of History, University of Hawaii, StarMag, 3 October 2005
…a
welcome and perhaps overdue study …[an] excellent monograph.
J. M. Gullick, MA Classics, Cambridge, MBRAS (Malaysian Branch of
the Royal Asiatic Society) Volume LXXVII Part 2 2004
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TULILA:
MUZIK BUJUKAN MANDAILING
Author/Pengarang:
Edi Nasution
Price/Harga: RM30 / Rupiah70,000.
ISBN: 978-983-42834-4-5
The story of the tulila and its impending demise as an art form and
a cultural practice is a reminder to all Malaysians of how fragile
and precious the cultural treasures we still have are.
Himanshu Bhatt, New Straits Times, February 3, 2008
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Water
Watch - A Community Action Guide
Compiled
by Abdur-Razzaq Lubis
Price:
RM20
ISBN: 983-99416-0-7
Lubis
compiles water facts which everyone should know.
Subir Ghosh, The Reviewer, Issue No. 105, September 5, 1999
….a
source-book aimed at raising popular awareness of water problems
and at empowering communities and individuals with simple ways of
conserving and managing their water.
Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 10, No. 2 October 1998
….
presents a step-by-step guide on how to map out our watershed and
how to adopt a stream.
Utusan Konsumer, June 1999
…
highlights simple projects that can be undertaken by community-based
organizations and school groups, and includes practical hints on
how to make best use of water resources.
Go Between, United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service
April-May 1999
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Our
Malaysia: Multi-Cultural Activity Book for Young Malaysians
Yazdi
Jehangir Bankwala & Dr. M. Nadarajah
Price:
RM18
ISBN: 983-42472-0-6
2005.
Published by Arpitha Associates (M)
Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur
Soft cover, 17 x 24 cm, 52 pages,
full colour illustrations
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The
house of lIzards - Natu the Chichak
Rebecca
Dukett Wilkinson
Price:
RM28
...a
delightful read for children in Malaysia… In the same way that
Beatrix Potter brings to life little animals in a very English
atmosphere, Natu The Chichak … easily plunge readers into a world
of jungles, lush foliage, and colourful creepy crawlies lurking
everywhere. One can almost hear lizards calling and insects buzzing.
Jenny
Daneels, www.kakiseni.com,
22 December 2005
Batik
meets folk art in this book about a house lizard, or cicak, called
Natu.
Daphne Lee, The Star, 30 December 2005
For
orders, please email areca@streamyx.com
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One
Man's Will: A Portrait of Dato’ Sir Onn bin Ja’afar
Pamela Ong Siew Im
Price:
RM30
ISBN 983-808-053-5
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Learn
to Speak... Penang Hokkien Dialect
Tan
Choon Hoe
Price:
RM20
ISBN: 983-40774-0-8
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Loghat
Hokkien Pulau Pinang
Tan
Choon Hoe
Price:
RM18
ISBN: 983-40774-1-6
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Penang
Hokkien Dailect for Tourists & Penangites
Tan
Choon Hoe
Price:
RM23
ISBN: 978-983-40774-3-3
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A
Tapestry of Baba Poetry (CD Attached)
Johny
Chee
Price:
RM37
ISBN: 978-983-4361-2-4
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