Singapore 60s: An Age of Discovery
George W. Porter
Singapore: John Wiley & Sons, 2015
ISBN: 9781119186830

Singapore 60s: An Age of Discovery provides a firsthand glimpse at the early days of the city-state, as told through the never-before-published photographs of an American diplomat.

Author George W. Porter served as a Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore from 1965 to 1970; as a former journalist and amateur photographer, he found himself in an ideal position to document the early days of the newly-independent city-state, and the promise and ambition that led to the Singapore we know today.

These photographs capture scenes of a bygone era, with Singaporeans young and old living and working in maritime surroundings so heavily dependent on the Singapore River. A far cry from the bustling metropolis Singapore has become, the scenes in these photos nevertheless capture the heart and soul of the Singaporean citizens, and the first tiny steps that birthed a model city-state and global economic powerhouse.

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first and founding Prime Minister, espoused a philosophy of transparent and pragmatic governance that turned a tiny, resource-poor city-state into one of history's greatest nation-building success stories. This book captures the spark of the early days, and presents a prescient view of what was to come.

Faith in Architecture: 50 Houses of Worship in Singapore
Gül İnanç (ed.)
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2015
ISBN: 9789810953737

Often we are not fully aware of the artistic, diverse and divine features of more than a thousand houses of worship, which surround us in this small, culturally diverse city-state. This semi-photobook is a humble attempt to give 50 of these sacred sands/stones the voice required to share their stories with us and for us to move a little closer to understanding and appreciating the art and culture of major faiths being practised both locally and globally. Complementing the reflections and photography in the book are astute sketches by renowned Singapore artist, Dr Ho Chee Lick.

Images of Singapore Botanic Gardens
Alvin Loh
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish International, 2015
ISBN: 9789814677196

With more than 150 years of history, the 74-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens holds a unique and significant place in the history of Singapore and the region. It was responsible in its early days for the introduction, experimentation and promotion of crop plants, including the rubber tree; it also spearheaded orchid breeding and started a world-renowned orchid hybridisation programme. Today, it not only continues to play a vital role in the horticultural and botanical fields, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has become a fixture of the cultural landscape and the national identity.

Images of Singapore Botanic Gardens takes the reader on an enchanting photographic tour of the gardens' varied landscapes. Highlights include the National Orchid Garden, home of the world's foremost collection of orchids; Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, the first children's garden in Asia; a lush Rainforest trail boasting rare tropical species; picture-perfect water features such as Swan Lake, Eco Lake and Symphony Lake; and some of the best-preserved specimens of colonial architecture in Singapore.

With the decision on its UNESCO World Heritage status due to be announced in 2015 Q3, interest in the Singapore Botanic Gardens will be at an all-time high. This compact volume, packed with over 250 photographs, vividly captures the spirit of Singapore Botanic Gardens in all its glory.

LKY: A Pictorial Memorial
Stephanie Yeow
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2015
ISBN: 9789814642088

Abridged from Lee Kuan Yew: A Life in Pictures, this book features private and public photos of Lee. It includes some new photos as well as photos from his later years. They were chosen for their strength and quality, and edited to fit into the chronology of Lee's life.

Through the Lens of Lee Kip Lin: Photographs of Singapore 1965-1995
Lai Chee Kien
Singapore: National Library Board & Editions Didier Millet, 2015
ISBN: 9789814610087

In 2009 the family of the late Lee Kip Lin donated to the National Library Board of Singapore over 14,500 slides and negatives of modern Singapore that he had taken, among other items of historical merit such as maps, rare photographs and prints, and books. Over three decades from 1965 to 1995, Lee captured the many landscapes and buildings that would eventually disappear from the island and its shores. Close to 500 photographs have been reproduced in this book to showcase the exuberance and eloquence of the different built forms -- in an era when time and space in Singapore was more accommodating.

Singapore: World City
Kim Inglis
Singapore: Tuttle Publishing, 2014
ISBN: 9780804843355

In just a few short decades, Singapore has transformed itself from a tiny island off the coast of mainland Asia into a global superpower in banking, IT, education, biotech, transportation and many other fields. The fascinating story of how this tiny city-state which has no hinterland, no natural resources, and a relatively small population has achieved success is told in this book.

Singapore's history as a British colonial port, its dynamic multi-ethnic population, and its innovative governmental and social structures, are a part of the story. But there are others as well. How Singapore became a regional hub for finance, shipping and air travel, and now also for the arts, sport and leisure - are all showcased in dynamic detail, with over 300 full-colour photographs to illustrate graphically how this small island functions like a well-tuned racing machine.

From the world's only night-time Formula One race to its thriving calendar of international and local events, and its culture of non-stop eating, drinking and clubbing, Singapore has finally stepped out of the shadows and onto the world stage. Famed for its innovative business prowess, what is less known is that the island has more parks, gardens and recreational facilities than any other city of comparable size.

Lee Kuan Yew: A Life in Pictures
The Straits Times
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2013
ISBN: 9789814342582

Mr Lee Kuan Yew turns 90 this September. To commemorate his birthday, The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao - flagship newspapers of the Singapore Press Holdings - have put together a unique collection of photographs in a pictorial book capturing his public and private life.

This pictorial is a carefully-curated collection of about 480 photographs, including more than 100 never-before-published pictures selected from over 35,000 photographs from a wide range of sources, including Mr Lee’s personal albums.

Published in large format on high-quality art paper, Lee Kuan Yew: A Life in Pictures brings readers on a visual journey with rare glimpses into the life of the man who helped build Singapore.

Organised in six chapters, this pictorial is a snapshot of Mr Lee’s life from his early childhood to his entry into the rough and tumble of politics in the 1950s, through the battle for the hearts and mind of Singaporeans and the nationbuilding years that transformed this country into what it is today.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Singapore
Yong Ding Li, Lim Kim Chuah & Lee Tiah Khee
Oxford: John Beaufoy, 2013
ISBN: 9781906780890

This easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 bird species most commonly seen in Singapore is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from Singapore's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation, opportunities for naturalists and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Singapore encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, IUCN status.

Not for Sale: Singapore's Remaining Street Food Vendors
Sinma DaShow
Singapore: Good Food Syndicate, 2013
ISBN: 9789810765699

Not For Sale: Singapore's Remaining Heritage Street Food Vendors is a landmark project to preserve our longest-serving food heritage – hawker street food culture.

Sinma DaShow and his documentary team began documenting Singapore's remaining street food vendor hawker centre by hawker centre in 2010. 900 days, over a hundred hawker centres and thousands of hours of interviews, recording and transcription later, Not For Sale is the most complete and ambitious documentation of Singapore's street food vendors ever archived.

The first chapter opens with a dark tone, looking at the hawkers who would be retiring without an heir apparent and the threats of extinction that faces the trade. And as always in the midst of such changing times and challenges, there are also reasons for hope in the guardian angels who willingly chose to watch over their family trade and craft.

The pictorial documentation of black and white photos closes with the most inspiring ending by unveiling the unsung superheroes of the trade, those who are among the most elderly yet still actively involved in their craft. Most have faced war and lack, often in hunger but with a heart full of love, when surrounded by hopelessness they find a reason to give hope to others, and in the face of fear how they stood fearless to life's challenges.

This book is a tribute to all our dear uncles and aunties who have tirelessly served multiple generations of food-loving Singaporeans.

100 Singaporeans
Wesley Loh Kar-Wai
Singapore: Epigram Books, 2013
ISBN: 9789810731205

What does it mean to look Singaporean? Is there a unique quality to our faces that transcends our ethnic differences and immediately identifies us as Singaporeans? In 100 Singaporeans, award-winning photographer Wesley Loh Kar-Wai takes on these burning questions. Forgoing posed pictures and special effects for stark black-and-white close ups, he documents Singaporeans from all walks of life. The result is a stunning collection of intimate portraits whose subjects bravely invite us to meet their unwavering, direct gaze. In so doing, we begin to discover commonalities that can be conveyed without the need for words.

Little Flower: Singapore Wild Flowers Up Close: Through the Lens of Jon Boon
Jon Boon
Singapore: Secondmouse Books, 2012
ISBN: 9789810726409

When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? Whether you are a botany enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of our local flora, this book lets you get close and personal with 70 of Singapore blooms. Each flower is photographically captured in its natural environment, mainly in the heartlands.

Keeping the content simple and factual, with details carefully captured, Little Flower: Singapore Wild Flowers Up Close is the only pictorial book on local flowers of its kind and provides a picture-rich reference.

The Causeway
Singapore: National Archives of Malaysia and National Archives of Singapore, 2011
ISBN: 9789814266895

The Causeway highlights the close social, economic and political links between Singapore and Malaysia through the history of the Causeway. Close to 240 images - which include photographs, maps, newspaper articles and archival documents - tell the human story behind the building of the Causeway and the people who use it, demonstrating the Causeway's role as a people connector between the two nations. This book is another milestone in the close relationship and collaboration between the National Archives of Malaysia and the National Archives of Singapore.

Private Passion: The Photographs of Pioneer Politican and Diplomat S. Rajaratnam
Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2011
ISBN: 9789814311434

Sinnathamby Rajaratnam was one of Singapore's founding fathers and her first Foreign Minister. While much has been written about his distinguished public career, which spanned almost 30 years, and his significant political accomplishments, this book is about his private passion for photography and introduces his photographic art to a wider audience for the first time. The introductory essay provides essential biographical information as well as new insights into the depths of Rajaratnam's nearly life-long interest in photography. This is followed by an album of images selected from the thousands that he left behind - images from his student years in London, from his extensive travels, and from Singapore and his home surroundings. Thus the reader is introduced to another facet of this SIngapore pioneer, namely his humanity and his quest for creative expression. Whilst the photographs can be enjoyed in and of themselves, they also invite the reader to consider the life and times of the man behind the lens.

Our Kuching: the Vanishing Street Cats of Singapore: Through the Lens of Jon Boon
Jon Boon (photos), Sweeleng Teoh (text)
Singapore: Secondmouse Books, 2010
ISBN: 9789810874674

Our Kuching: the Vanishing Street Cats of Singapore is a pictorial celebration of the Singapore street cat. Each picture tells a compelling story of their lives and provides a snapshot of life in the heartlands in 21st century Singapore. The pictures are accompanied by heart-warming captions of the cats and snippets of trivia on the history and origins of the neighbourhoods in which they are found.

Malay Peninsula: Old Photographs of Malaya and Singapore by Kleingrothe, c. 1900
John Falconner, Neil Khor, and Gretchen Liu
Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2009
ISBN: 9789814217996

Malay Peninsula: Old Photographs of Malaya and Singapore by Kleingrothe, c. 1900 presents a selection of works by German commercial photographer Charles J. Kleingrothe, who was active in the Malay Archipelago during the early 1900s. His large-format photographs are one of the key visual records of Malaya at a time of great transformation, and record life and landscapes in Malaya at the dawn of the 20th century.

The book is based on the more than 100-year-old portfolio Malay Peninsula (Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States) from the personal collection of HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Sultan of Selangor.

Singapore Through 19th Century Photographs
Jason Toh
Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2009
ISBN: 9789814260060

Singapore Through 19th Century Photographs is a comprehensive photographic record of Singapore from the early 1840s to the 1900s. Paired with lively commentary, the more than 120 rare photographs from leading institutional and private collections recreate a compelling portrait of 19th century Singapore.

Emphasising the topographical and architectural landscape of the city and its surrounding environs, this visually irresistible city tour transports the reader back to the Singapore of an earlier age, a city that has now changed beyond recognition. The vibrant old metropolis is brought back to life through insightful captions and mostly albumen prints, the dominant photographic medium of the second half of the 19th century.

Moreover, also documenting the growth of photography in Southeast Asia, this book reveals a watershed moment. The rise of international trade and the push for immigration led many Western studio photographers to seek their fortunes in the East, during a period that coincided with a rise in tourist travel, sparked by improvements to transportation networks. These propitious conditions set the stage for intense production of commercial photographs of Singapore, and the book captures this unique moment of rapid development, both with the photographs shown and the perceptive analysis offered in the text.

Illustrating the city at its most striking, Singapore Through 19th Century Photographs records a dynamic moment of development for both photography and of Singapore, the pre-eminent port-city of Southeast Asia.