Stories from the stacks: selections from the Rare Materials Collection National Library Singapore

Abstract

"The Rare Materials Collection at the National Library, Singapore is a precious repository of more than 19,000 items that spans five centuries. The collection - with a special focus on Singapore and Southeast Asia - comprises books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, letters, documents and other paper-based artefacts that offer valuable insights into the history of Singapore and its surrounding region. Stories from the Stacks presents a small but diverse selection of nearly 50 artefacts from the Rare Materials Collection as well as several items from the library's other repositories. Each item is described and analysed in a short but insightful essay that is richly complemented with photographs, helping to bring these stories from the stacks to vivid life, and hopefully sparking further research into their origins. Written in an accessible style, this book provides a rare peek into a unique collection that will be of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about Singapore's history." -- back cover.