Orang Asli Animal Tales by Lim Boo Liat (COAC) RM20.00

The Orang Asli -- the first people of Peninsular Malaysia -- are nature's naturalists. They are intimately familiar with the social structure and behavior of many of the animals in their forest homelands. To explain nature's mysteries, they have surrounded themselves with colourful folklore about wondrous creatures that are so much a part of their lives. In this collection of Orang Asli animal tales you will learn, for example, how the once-cruel tapir got it's white band and became the timid animal that it is today. And why the flying lemur always hides his tail and flies only by night. Or how friends of the slow-loris protected him from the punishment of blindness ordered by the king for outraging the modesty of his daughter. These tales are not only for enjoyment and amusement. They also teach us morals and give us a peek into the rich scientific and cultural heritage of the Orang Asli --Which should rightfully warrant a significant place in Malaysia's cultural heritage.

Other Malaysian titles:

1. T Pinkie's Floor by A Samad Said -- RM25.00
2. Fansuri's Love by A Samad Said -- RM20.00
3. Braving the Waves by Zailani Taslim -- RM25.00
4. The Opera House by Zakaria Ariffin -- RM15.00
5. Children of this Land by Noordin Hassan -- RM25.00
6. Mother El Nono & La Nina (Malaysian nature Series) -- RM15.00
7. Jungle of Hope by Keris Mas -- RM30.00
8. The Keris by Edward Frey -- RM20.00
9. Traditional Malay Medicinal Plants by Muhammad Zakaria, Mustafa Ali Mohd -- RM20.00
10. Song of the Pelican by Suhaimi Haji Muhammad -- RM20.00
11. Pilot Studies for a New Penang by Ooi Kee Beng, Gan Ban Lee -- RM50.00

Labels: Society

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Eight Jewels of the Phoenix -- Tutu Dutta-Yean -- MPH (2009) -- RM19.90

Eight Jewels of the Phoenix brings together eight legends and folk tales from the countries around the Asia-Pacific Rim. The tales in this collection are cultural icons, retold and reinterpreted in many forms through the ages. Just like the Phoenix, they are fierce, full of colour, magic and adventure, celebrating the richness and diversity of the cultures of Asia.

For those unfamiliar with these cultures, the book will be a journey of discovery. Readers will find universal themes: the reversal of fortune, quest for lovepossible and impossible, sacrifice for the greater good and even the charming story of a Malay Cinderella. The Phoenix sometimes makes an appearance in these stories in various guises.

The cultures covered in this book include China, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, North America and Thailand. The authors black-and-white illustrations bring a fresh perspective to the stories.

These are timeless tales that will appeal to both young and old alike.


Eight Fortunes of the Qilin -- Tutu Dutta-Yean -- MPH (2009) -- RM19.90

Eight Fortunes of the Qilin brings together eight legends and folk tales from countries around the Asia-Pacific Rim. Each story in the collection is rooted in the culture of its people. It is also a window to the past as some of these cultures may no longer exist or are undergoing rapid transformation.

As the fabled Qilin represents compassion, wisdom and respect for nature and life, these qualities are echoed in the stories. Nature, whether in the form of a mighty river, a little cricket or snail, plays a prominent role in these enthralling tales. It is also the thread that binds all these elements together. Humans, spirits and deities cross paths, and unseen worlds collide.

The countries brought to life in this collection include Borneo, Central America, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam. Accompanying the rich tales are black-and-white illustrations by the author to bring a fresh perspective to the stories.

These are timeless tales that will appeal to both young and old alike.


Other new books

No cowardly Past-2nd Edition -- James Puthucheary -- SIRD(2010) -- RM45.00

Labels: Society

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Kirkby: The Life and the Loves by Shaari Isa -- The Right Connections (2009) -- RM29.90

As the title suggests, this novel tells the story of the life at Kirkby College, a college established by the Federation of Malaya to train its teachers in England from 1952 to 1962. In this sense the College is unique in the annals of educational history.

This novel is a work of fiction set within the framework of facts which are described in great details. It is a fascinating story of the loves and conflicts weaved within the life of the students in the College who lived within an island of diverse Malayan cultures surrounded by the sea of British life.

The book is also a historical document because it describes the curricular and extra curricular activities, also the actual staff and physical facilities of the College at the time.

Dr. Shaari has an educational background having been trained as a teacher at Kirkby then went on to become a professional accountant. He has written several novels and a set of short stories in Malay and several academic books on accounting mainly in English.

Like all of Shaari's creative works, this novel focuses on human relation in society. It portrays that human emotion and life cut across all cultures, races and boundaries.
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What your teacher didn't tell you by Farish A Noor -- Matahari Books (RM40.00)

Labels: History, Society

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Rethinking Islamic Architecture by Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi (RM 30.00)

Islamic architecture has never undergone a sustained period of self-criticism and creative renewal. Arguing in favour of a return to humility, humanism and the eternal values of Islam, the author shows a way out of the impasse in Islamic architecture by a close reading of the Islamic sources in tandem with a re-examination of the work of visionary Western modernists.

Professor Tajuddin also restores the importance of appreciating the integrity and sustainable design and technologies of Southeast Asian Islamic architecture as well as such postcolonial designs such as the National Mosque, the brilliant use of vernacular design in the Amanah Saham Pahang mosques and an organic, community-centred Islamic mosque-complex in Kota Baru -- all in Malaysia. Rethinking Islamic
Architecture challenges clients, architects, student and the general reader alike to rethink their assumptions and practices, and open their minds to a wealth of less explored possibilities.

This provocative yet accessible book should be read by anyone concerned about the need to restore sustainable human-centred design and shared value to contemporary cities.

Other Malaysian titles:

Tropical Affairs by Robert Raymer (RM 32.90)
Kirkby: The Life and the Loves by Shaari Isa (RM 29.90)
SUARAM: 20 Years Defending Human Rights by Kua Kia Soong (RM 20.00)
Where is Justic? Death and Brutality in Custody edited by John Lee & Nathaniel Tan (RM 29.00)
Call if You Need Me (DVD) by James Lee (RM 20.00)
All My Failed Attempts (DVD) by Tan Chui Mui (RM 20.00)
Sikh Community in Malaysia by Darshan Singh Gill (RM 89.90)

Labels: Politics, Society

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History of Malaysia -- A Children's Encyclopedia by Tunku Halim (RM 68.00)

Every member of the family will enjoy this engaging encyclopedia. Its richly illustrated pages not only bring Malaysian history to life, but its clear and comprehensive explanations make it an essential resource. It helps children understand the country's history and how it relates to today's news. It records a dazzling panorama of peoples, cultures and events from the Stone Age until the present day. The main sections include regional maps, an encyclopedic A to Z, beginners to advance quizzes, a historical time chart, a chronology and glossary.


Other new Malaysian titles:

Labels: History

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Yasmin Ahmad's Films by Amir Muhammad (RM 30.00)

Yasmin Ahmad left a vibrant legacy, and it is still strange to talk about her in the past tense.

In order to deal with his grief, Amir Muhammad, fellow Malaysian filmmaker and friend, watched anew her six feature-length films (Rabun, Sepet, Gubra, Mukhsin, Muallaf and Talentime), as well as several of her most popular commercials. Neither an obituary nor a conventional work of film criticism, this book was written just a month after her funeral and is Amir's personal look at the stories, but with quite a few tangents of his own.

Chatty and informative, Yasmin Ahmad's Films can be devoured not only by established fans but newcomers to her work. It is also a tribute to one of Malaysia's most amazing daughters.

Other new Malaysian books:
1. Planter Upriver by Mahbob Abdullah
2. Penang Under the East India Company 1786-1858 by Andrew Barber
(All these books are available at the Silverfish Online Bookstore).

Labels: Art, Society

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