A Visit to Java: With an Account of the Founding of Singapore (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

W. Basil Worsfold

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0266428339 ISBN 13: 9780266428336

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

A vivid journey through Java and Singapore in the age of empires, pairing history with on‑the‑ground travel observation.

In its opening chapters, the book traces Java’s long history from Hindu and Buddhist eras to Islamic influence, then follows the Dutch, English, and colonial developments that shaped the archipelago. It blends scholarship with vivid scenes of temples, volcanic landscapes, and the daily life of native communities, offering a clear view of how past and present meet in one island world. The narrative also captures the allure and challenges of imperial travel, including the eruption of Mount Krakatoa and the transformation of Java’s towns and plantations.

From the hills around Buitenzorg to the planting districts near Soekaboemi, the author shares the experience of travel in tropical Java—rail journeys, sadoes, and long mountain treks. You’ll read about rice terraces, coffee and cinchona plantations, and the people who work the land, dressed in bright fabrics and traditional hats. The account extends to Singapore, describing its rapid growth under Raffles, the legal and political debates, and the emergence of a bustling trading port.
What you’ll experience:

• A concise history of Java from ancient Hindu kings to Dutch colonization and the rise of Singapore
• Vivid travel scenes: mountains, rivers, rice fields, and plantation life
• Observations of daily life, etiquette, dress, and the practical side of colonial administration
• Context on key events and figures that shaped the region’s early modern era

Ideal for readers who enjoy history, travel writing, and colonial-era perspectives on Southeast Asia.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0266428339
• ISBN 13: 9780266428336
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 333