The Real Malay

The Real Malay: Pen Pictures is a book written by Frank Athelstane Swettenham and published in 1900. The book is a collection of essays and sketches that provide a detailed and intimate look into the lives and customs of the Malay people of the Malay Peninsula. The author, who was a British colonial administrator in Malaya, offers a unique perspective on the Malay people and their culture. He writes about their beliefs, traditions, and way of life, as well as their interactions with the British colonial government. The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Malay life. Some of the topics covered include Malay religion, marriage customs, food, clothing, and architecture. The author also provides pen portraits of individual Malays he has encountered, giving readers a glimpse into their personalities and daily lives. Throughout the book, Swettenham emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the Malay people and their culture. He acknowledges the challenges of colonial rule and the need for cultural sensitivity and mutual understanding between the British and the Malays. Overall, The Real Malay: Pen Pictures is a fascinating and insightful look into the world of the Malay people and their culture, written by a colonial administrator who had a deep respect and appreciation for the people he encountered.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.