Raffles: And the Golden Opportunity

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Thomas Stamford Raffles was a British colonialist who founded Singapore and Governor of Java. He was a charismatic and daring individual who defied Dutch governors and warring local rulers to establish Singapore. Raffles was an ardent linguist and zoologist, fluent in Malay, and wrote The History of Java. He founded London Zoo and promoted the study of Malay alongside European languages in Southeast Asia. Raffles remains a controversial figure, known for his utopian imperialism, disobedience, and debt, but his fame lives on.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Born in 1781, Thomas Stamford Raffles was a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the history of Singapore and Java. Despite dropping out of school at a young age, Raffles pursued a career as a clerk for the British East India Company. His charisma and audacity set him apart, as he refused to settle for the limited trading posts available to the British in South East Asia. Instead, he defied Dutch governors and engaged in complex negotiations with local rulers to establish what would eventually become a bustling world city.

Raffles was not only a skilled trader and administrator but also an avid linguist and zoologist. He spoke fluent Malay and dedicated himself to the study of the region's flora and fauna. In addition to his professional pursuits, Raffles founded the London Zoo and played a significant role in promoting the study of Malay alongside European languages in Southeast Asia.

Despite his many achievements, Raffles remains a controversial figure. He was known for his utopian imperialist ideals, his disobedient behavior as an employee, and his lavish lifestyle, which left him deeply in debt. Tragically, he predeceased all but one of his children. However, his legacy continues to endure, particularly in the form of the city of Singapore, which he founded in 1819.

Renowned biographer Victoria Glendinning has written a new edition of Raffles's biography, specially updated for the bicentenary of Singapore's foundation. In this comprehensive account, Glendinning charts Raffles's prodigious rise, exploring the complexities of his life and the tragic events that shaped his journey. Despite his short and complicated life, Raffles's fame remains undiminished, as he remains a symbol of ambition, determination, and the enduring impact of colonialism on the region.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788160902
Edition number: Main