Preface

Summary

This English edition of the A History of Classical Malay Literature is based on Sejarah Kesusasteraan Melayu Klasik, published by Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia in August 2011. That work follows an earlier two volume edition, published in Jakarta in 1991 and 1993 by the Erlangga Publishing Company. In the ensuing period since then, many new studies on the history of classical Malay literature have appeared. I have included some of these new materials in this book, particularly in Chapter 1. I have also revised various sections in the other chapters, although not extensively. Of course it is not possible to incorporate all the new materials. Therefore, in the bibliography attached at the end of the book, I have provided a record of the books I consider important, including a new catalogue of sources for the history of traditional Malay literature. Readers who are interested can refer to the list of books in the bibliography for more information.

I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Riris K. Toha-Sarumpaet for editing the 2011 edition, and Dr Razif Bahari and Prof. Dr. Harry Aveling for their dedicated attention to the English translation over a two year period. I also wish to thank the late Bapak H. B. Jassin, who is sadly not with us anymore. Pak Jassin was closely involved in the writing of this book. He edited the original Singapore edition of 1975 and wrote the introduction to the third Singapore edition. He also edited the first Indonesian edition. I am forever indebted to him for his kind contributions.

Hopefully this book will be useful for both teachers and students who are interested in Malay literature.