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The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew
 
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The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew (Hardcover)

by Lee Kuan Yew (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)

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2 new from £176.13 9 used from £21.97

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Product details

  • Hardcover: 680 pages
  • Publisher: Prentice Hall Singapore (7 Oct 1998)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0130208035
  • ISBN-13: 978-0130208033
  • Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 16.3 x 5 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 908,295 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #59 in  Books > History > Countries & Regions > Asia > South East Asia > Singapore
    #98 in  Books > Biography > Social & Health Issues > Cultural History > Chinese

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  • See Complete Table of Contents

Product Description

Book Description
The long-awaited, provocative memoirs of the leader of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew.
British colonial rule, Japanese occupation, Communist insurrection, riots, and independence.
How an impoverished, tiny nation with no natural resources became a leading player in the world economy.
An Asian best-seller, now available for the first time in the United States. Visionary? Authoritarian? Model for the West? Lee Kuan Yew, the long-time leader of Singapore, has been called all these things, and more. In these vivid memoirs, Lee takes a profoundly personal look back at the events that led to Singapores independence and shaped its struggle for success. And, as always, he lets the chips fall where they may. Youll be with Lee as he leads striking unionists against the colonial government; shares tea and rounds of golf with key players in Britain and Malaya; and drinks warm Anchor beer with leaders of the communist underground at secret midnight meetings. From British colonial rule through Japanese occupation in World War II, Communist insurrection, riots, independence -- and the struggles that followed -- few political memoirs anywhere have been this blunt, or this fascinating.
Kuan Yew Lee is the Senior Minister of the Government of Singapore, and former Prime Minister. He is universally recognized as the man who transformed Singapore into the modern nation it has become.

About the Author
Kuan Yew Lee is the Senior Minister of the Government of Singapore, and former Prime Minister. He is universally recognized as the man who transformed Singapore into the modern nation it has become.

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Customer Reviews

33 Reviews
5 star:
 (25)
4 star:
 (5)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
 (2)
1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (33 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Not very compelling, 29 Dec 1999
By A Customer
Although certain portions manage to be engaging and do present an illuminating view of Singapore's recent history, on the whole, it simply remains a 680-page shrine to the author's own ego and reputation, deftly down-playing the efforts (and objections) of other politicians of the era whose contributions to Singapore are certainly no less than that of the author's. The book also frequently descends to being a loudspeaker through which Mr. Lee, in the confort of his old age, may expound on his (numerous) half-baked philosophies on life and politics, as well as lash out at his old adverseries. One might argue, of course, that these writings are after all supposed to be his "memoirs" and as such must present his personal view on the events of his life. However, if viewed from that angle, then the book never really gets anywhere at all.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A candid and critical look at the history of Singapore, 4 Mar 1999
By A Customer
Lee Kuan Yew is one of the most misunderstood leaders in the world. "Helicopter" journalists, on 3 day visits, without appreciation of local conditions think that all societies can be governed the same way. Even foreigners who reside in Singapore do not appreciate how each society can be very different beneath the veener of the skyscrapers in an urban society. Lee does not subscribe to "isms" but views society in the necessary harsh light of social Darwinism. All these are evident from his book. This is a very candid and critical look at a certain period of the Singapore history of which he was the main player, though not the only one, as he himself acknowledges in the book. The battles he fought againt (the colonialists, the chauvinists, the communalists, the communists), the qualities he personified (hard work, integrity, trust, discipline, courage, leadership, imagination)and the policies he pursued (free market, strong defence, meritocracy, social cohesion, clean government, emphasis on education) all have stood Singapore well and are now making it stand out in a region ravaged by economic turmoil. This book is therefore very important for politicians. It teaches that good government is hard work but that once entrusted with the people's will to govern, politicians must do away with easy and populist measures and govern with intelligence, integrity and imagination.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A note to the reader from Macau (posted 26 July 1999), 25 Aug 1999
By A Customer
It might be of interest to you to know that Lee Kuan Yew's writing style was deliberately adapted and simplified to reach not just scholars, but a larger audience: the general public, and more specifically, the younger generation of Singaporeans. If you have read his speeches, you will know that he is exceptionally eloquent and known for being adept at the English language.

Perhaps the greater purpose that the Senior Minister had in mind was that this book will become a text that is found in every history classroom in Singapore, although it will undoubtedly be dissected by scholars as well.

Lee Kuan Yew's straight-forward style of writing conveyed historic facts, his political analysis, and acute judgment of people and circumstances with clarity, which was not to be clouded by style.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars The style of the prose may not be prize-winning...
The style of the prose may not be prize-winning for the purists, but it is easily understood, and serves the aim of the author - to make the book widely understandable to his... Read more
Published on 16 Sep 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars The Man Who Made Singapore a Success
Being voted as one of the most influential Asian leaders, itproves that Mr Lee has been a respected leader to one and all. Read more
Published on 30 Aug 1999

2.0 out of 5 stars rather bad english
the subject of the book is great but the english sucks. future authors should be aware that they have to be able to write a book in proper US/British English. Read more
Published on 26 Aug 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Frank, soul-searching reflections on the history of S'pore.
Indeed LKY should be commended for his frank and open insights into the events leading to the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.
Published on 8 Aug 1999

1.0 out of 5 stars Bad english ...
the subject is superb. the writing (of the English language) rather poor. Mr Lee should find another editor instead.
Published on 26 Jul 1999

4.0 out of 5 stars Tells you about the man
I think this book is a must read for all, especially people living in Singapore It tells a lot about the background of the Man himself, LKY and the history of Singapore
Published on 14 Jul 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Account
All people who are critical of the political system of Singapore should read this book and gain a real insight as to why the government acts in a certain manner and the type of... Read more
Published on 11 Jun 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Good understanding of political strength
I often wondered why Singapore bucked the trend in Asia (even now enjoying a higher per capita GNP than the UK) till I read this book. Read more
Published on 30 May 1999

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, but there must be other sides to the story
While I found Harry Lee's book a fascinating view of Singapore's post war to separation from the Malaysian Federation engrossing, it is important to acknowledge that this is only... Read more
Published on 3 May 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly candid revelations!
I loved SM Lee's book. When my father passed me the book, I was apathetic and did not really bother to read it as thoroughly as I should have (partly because of the O Levels)... Read more
Published on 28 April 1999

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