Price (in Malaysia): RM80
2006. Published
by Areca Books, Penang
Hard cover. 21.5 X 25.5 cm,
152 pages
Over 500 colour photographs
ISBN: 983-42834-2-3

Reviews & Press

* * *

The Star
10 December 2006
"Savouring the pulse of Penang"
by Pamala Ong

Book launch
of English edition in Penang
7 December 2006
Photo gallery

New Straits Times
3 December 2006
"Doorway to Penang"
by Marina Emmanuel

Embassy of Malaysia, Paris
Press Release, 18 October 2006
"French book on Penang launched in Paris"

International launch
of French edition in Paris
18 October 2006
Photo gallery

''A recent release by niche Penang publisher Areca Books, this gorgeous and lavishly illustrated book pays tribute to the island's lovingly preserved heritage buildings, and the people behind them.'' -- Lonely Planet

NEW!
Penang, Through Gilded Doors
by Julia de Bierre & James Bain Smith

A sumptuous celebration of an extraordinary destination, PENANG: THROUGH GILDED DOORS reveals the island as never before. In this book the authors share artistic vision and insider's knowledge, guiding the discerning traveller and captivating those already familiar with one of Malaysia's best-preserved treasures.

THROUGH GILDED DOORS is an inspirational introduction to one of South-East Asia's most culturally diverse destinations. Superbly photographed, the book focuses in particular on the Malaysian island's wealth of heritage buildings and the fascinating human stories behind their existence.

JULIA DE BIERRE was born and grew up in Penang, Malaysia. Co-author of the best-selling "Restoration Recipes" she is also a regular contributor to leading design and decoration periodicals. Restoration projects include a large medieval castle in Switzerland and a small traditional house in Penang. www.castleworkshops.com

JAMES BAIN SMITH is an international artist with a parallel career in the decorative arts. He is an associate of Castle Workshops, a company specialising in restoration, period details and paint techniques. Walking the vibrant streets of Penang, camera and tripod in tow, has been an unforgettable experience. www.castleworkshops.com

CONTENTS

Preface

Early Days

George Town
....The Infant Colony
....Enclaves
....A Street Called Harmony

Gracious Living
....Courtyard Sanctums
....To The Mansion Born
....The Urban Village
....Jazz Age and Beyond

Islander
....The Kampung Idyll
....Sea Breeze
....Green Power

The Spice of Life
....A Moveable Feast

Maps
Bibliography & Acknowledgements

Malaysian launch of English edition
in Penang, 7 December 2006. Click here to view invitation.
Click here for photo gallery

Présentation internationale de l’édition française à Paris, le 18 octobre 2006. Cliquez ici pour recevoir l’ invitation.

Cliquez ici pour plus d’informations

International launch of French edition in Paris, 18 October 2006. Click here to view invitation. Click here for photo gallery.