Pioneer Merchants Of Singapore, The: Johnston, Boustead, Guthrie And Others

Pioneer Merchants of Singapore is a book that tells the stories of some of Singapore's earliest merchants, including Alexander Laurie Johnston, Edward Boustead, Alexander Guthrie, and Tan Che Sang, and sheds light on the challenges faced by its early residents. It includes never-before-published information drawn from letters dating back to 1818.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd

Pioneer Merchants of Singapore delves into the captivating tales of some of Singapore's earliest merchants, including the remarkable Alexander Laurie Johnston, Edward Boustead, Alexander Guthrie, and a diverse group of eleven others, such as Tan Che Sang, Dr. Jose d Almeida, and D. S. Napier. While much attention has been paid to figures like Sir Stamford Raffles and Lt. Col. Farquhar, the stories of these merchants of different races operating in Singapore during the early years following its acquisition by the East India Company in 1819 have remained largely overlooked. This book offers a unique perspective, presenting never-before-published information sourced from letters dating back to 1818. These letters, including poignant correspondence from Johnston's first employee and business partner Andrew Hay and a previously unpublished letter from Raffles himself, shed light on aspects that would otherwise have been lost to history.

The primary objective of this book is to bridge a gap in our understanding of Singapore's early days and the hardships encountered by its early residents. It serves as a vital resource for anyone with a deep interest in the history of Singapore's formative years as a thriving trading colony. With its engaging narrative and insightful revelations, Pioneer Merchants of Singapore is a must-read for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Singapore's early history.

ISBN-13: 9789811247125