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The Genealogy of Kings
A history of the Malay Peninsula and the islands of the Archipelago.
The Malay Annals (Malay: Sejarah Melayu), originally titled Sulalatus Salatin (Genealogy of Kings), is a literary work that gives a romanticised history of the origin, evolution and demise of the great Malay maritime empire, the Malacca Sultanate. The work which was composed sometime between 15th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language. In 2001, the Malay Annals were listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register. The Annals cover the founding of Melaka and its rise to power; its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms and distant countries; the advent of Islam and its spread in Melaka and the region as a whole; the history of the royalty in the region including battles won or lost, marriage ties and diplomatic relationships; the administrative hierarchy that ruled Melaka; the greatness of its rulers and administrators, including the Bendahara Tun Perak and Laksamana, Hang Tuah.
The Malay Annals (Malay: Sejarah Melayu), originally titled Sulalatus Salatin (Genealogy of Kings), is a literary work that gives a romanticised history of the origin, evolution and demise of the great Malay maritime empire, the Malacca Sultanate. The work which was composed sometime between 15th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language. In 2001, the Malay Annals were listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register. The Annals cover the founding of Melaka and its rise to power; its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms and distant countries; the advent of Islam and its spread in Melaka and the region as a whole; the history of the royalty in the region including battles won or lost, marriage ties and diplomatic relationships; the administrative hierarchy that ruled Melaka; the greatness of its rulers and administrators, including the Bendahara Tun Perak and Laksamana, Hang Tuah.
360 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
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182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2021
“At the end of time there will be a king who is a descendant of mine. He shall inherit these possessions, and he will be the one to conquer all the countries in the east, in the lands below the wind.” -Raja Chulan-
🌼Every history enthusiast, every reader especially Malaysian should read this book as this long narrative(hikayat) is the most precious Malay heritage. In fact, it was listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register in 2001.
🌼 I REALLY REALLY REALLY ENJOYED THE NARRATIVE (hikayat) SO MUCH.
🌼Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh has done a great job in translating this narrative. It’s readable, easily comprehensible while maintaining the authenticity and originality of the old language.
🌼This book has helped me sharpened my knowledge regarding the history of the Malacca Sultanate Empire, more than what I knew through school textbooks.
🌼 I annotated A LOT & I tabbed every chapter for my future reference.
🌼If you love reading long narrative (old hikayat), legend or mythology kind of book, you’ll enjoy this thoroughly!
🌼 I will definitely reread this book!
🌼Every history enthusiast, every reader especially Malaysian should read this book as this long narrative(hikayat) is the most precious Malay heritage. In fact, it was listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register in 2001.
🌼 I REALLY REALLY REALLY ENJOYED THE NARRATIVE (hikayat) SO MUCH.
🌼Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh has done a great job in translating this narrative. It’s readable, easily comprehensible while maintaining the authenticity and originality of the old language.
🌼This book has helped me sharpened my knowledge regarding the history of the Malacca Sultanate Empire, more than what I knew through school textbooks.
🌼 I annotated A LOT & I tabbed every chapter for my future reference.
🌼If you love reading long narrative (old hikayat), legend or mythology kind of book, you’ll enjoy this thoroughly!
🌼 I will definitely reread this book!
March 5, 2021
After several attempts at reading the Genealogy of Kings in its original 16th century Malay and also the 19th century English translation of it, I’m very glad that there is finally a modern English translation of this great Malay historical and literary text.
Prof Muhammad has done a brilliant job at making it accessible to general modern day readers. Admittedly, the beauty and melodious words of old Malay is lost when translated into modern English but he has stayed as close as possible to the poetic and lyrical writing style of those days. In the beginning the narrative may be a little confusing but once you understand the narrative style it is very easy to digest and understand.
I must say that because this modern translation has made this historical literary text easier to understand, it has led me to seek out more books and materials on the history of the Melaka Sultanate. Apart from the customs of the royalty of that era from the colour of royal clothings to how a visitor is received by the Istana (palace), there are tales of battles won and lost from as early as the arrival of Alexander the Great to the attacks on Melaka by the Portuguese. There are also stories of legendary warriors such as Badang and Hang Tuah and of momentous events such as the founding of Singapura and Melaka, and the first expedition to China.
For those who know very little about this classic, Prof Muhammad includes a little background in the opening chapter. The only thing missing which I feel would’ve been helpful, is a map of the Melaka Sultanate and the surroundings so that at least we can tell where Pasai, Kampar and all the other places are.
There was never a moment when I lost interest in the book. Perhaps it was the narrative that kept my attention or the wondrous stories that lingered with me but this is a book that is not easy to forget.
June 4, 2023
The rajas are like the fire, all the prime ministers, the firewood, for the fire without wood may not result in a flame. Meaning, your subjects are comparable to the roots of a tree, and the king its trunk, wherever there is no root the tree will not be able to stand upright. That is the metaphor of the king and his subjects. As concerns the Malays, if their sins be great, do not quickly put them to death, except when it is applicable to the laws of Allah, for all the Malays are your subjects, as is pronounced by the words of the Prophets: meaning, the servant is his master, if you slay him when he is innocent, your reign shall be stained.
You should rule to earn the blessings of Allah.'
- The Genealogy of Kings by Tun Sri Lanang (Translated by Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh)
.
.
• I finished reading ‘Sulalatus Salatin/ Sejarah Melayu / The Malay Annals / Genealogy of Kings’ in the original language last year, August 20
• I finished reading ‘The Malay Annals / Genealogy of Kings’ translated by Muhammad Haji Salleh (MHS) from Malay to English on June 3rd.
- Here is my summary as I still felt my review from ‘Sejarah Melayu’ did not change much. The stories featured in this version still the same except the ‘Sejarah Melayu’ has 34 stories while the translated version only has 31 stories, the way it arranged resembled the original most of the time but what makes this even better, some footnotes in certain chapters is very detailed as it explained the context of the story which is deeply appreciated. HOWEVER, if you are not Southeast Asian, or was not raised in Southeast Asia region or never heard or read any of these Southeast Asian tales that filled with unexplained magical and mythical folklore, despite having almost perfect translation to modern English by MHS, I do not think this book is for you. Not trying to gatekeep Southeast Asian Classic literature but I just got annoyed when people outside my culture put it in their review with ‘i cannot imagine this’, ‘cannot relate’, ‘don’t get the gist’, ‘don’t understand the story at all’ and other ‘tone deaf’ comments hinting the lack of cultural awareness.
.
(My review from ‘Sejarah Melayu - The Genealogy of Kings in its original language’ that has been revised according to this version) - It has 31 stories, and it told the stories of Malay Kings and its continuity of the kingship that took place in Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Kedah, Perak and to other Neighbouring States/ countries - Southeast Asian regions to be specific. We can see how ‘Sejarah Melayu’ connected Both Peninsular Malaysia to the modern day of Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand especially when the tales mentioned of The Javanese Empire, The Sultanate of Pasai and even Siam and Langkasuka Kingdom. Most of the conquests done by multiple marriages to strengthen ties seems to be the focus of these Malay Kings to assert their power. I can’t help but felt that it was so male-centric and patriarchal to the point i am wondering where the strong / badass women in this text are. They only mentioned women when an alliance (of marriages) was needed. The duality of these kings is so bizzarrely clear - on one side the preaching on Islamic Teaching, on another side - he killed all the men that failed to protect his son (The logic is not logicking here*) - for some reason i forgot the number of this story). There’s also rape mentioned casually in the story numbers 17. Whats gotten worse the woman voice was silenced as her father (Sri Nara Diraja) decided to marry her (Tun Manda) off with the rapist (Patih Adam) and all was forgiven because it mentioned that he was a good husband. Other than that, It was interesting to see some contradictory on ‘Sejarah Melayu’ with ‘Hikayat Hang Tuah’, after all we were led to believe that it is Hang Tuah that manipulated Teja to fall in love with him and later, she were married off to Sultan Mahmud once she eloped with Tuah. ‘Sejarah Melayu’ on the other hand insisted that it was Hang Nadim. It applies the same with Hang Jebat that was known as someone that ‘Derhaka’ (Context : it is the custom of the Malays never to rebels against their masters ; read (Kings) so if you do that, you are ‘ derhaka’ ) then Hang Tuah killed him under the command of the sultan but in ‘Sejarah Melayu’, it was Hang Kasturi. At the end of the day, ‘Obeisance / Daulat’ , ‘ Curse/ Tulah’ , ‘Rebel / Derhaka’ was widely used and referred in this text, to amplify the supremacy of Malay Sultanate ages ago. Thats what makes them almost God-like in The Malay Annals. Warning ahead, there will be countless of Killings (peasants specifically) , Wars, Deceptions and Betrayals were part of these stories and once you passed 100 pages, you already got used to it. The stories were arranged whichever it fits thus you will find that it shifted abruptly, and it was not done in sequential manner. There are only 3 stories connected that was arranged in sequence manner as it foreshadows Portuguese fleet attack on Melaka and that event led to the end of Malay Kingship in Melaka. Overall, a highly recommended reading especially for Southeast Asians specifically Malaysians - read it for the culture, history and tradition. If you feel language might impose some barrier, go for the translated version. I would have given this 5 if my feminist brain were not so critical with these stories.
You should rule to earn the blessings of Allah.'
- The Genealogy of Kings by Tun Sri Lanang (Translated by Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh)
.
.
• I finished reading ‘Sulalatus Salatin/ Sejarah Melayu / The Malay Annals / Genealogy of Kings’ in the original language last year, August 20
• I finished reading ‘The Malay Annals / Genealogy of Kings’ translated by Muhammad Haji Salleh (MHS) from Malay to English on June 3rd.
- Here is my summary as I still felt my review from ‘Sejarah Melayu’ did not change much. The stories featured in this version still the same except the ‘Sejarah Melayu’ has 34 stories while the translated version only has 31 stories, the way it arranged resembled the original most of the time but what makes this even better, some footnotes in certain chapters is very detailed as it explained the context of the story which is deeply appreciated. HOWEVER, if you are not Southeast Asian, or was not raised in Southeast Asia region or never heard or read any of these Southeast Asian tales that filled with unexplained magical and mythical folklore, despite having almost perfect translation to modern English by MHS, I do not think this book is for you. Not trying to gatekeep Southeast Asian Classic literature but I just got annoyed when people outside my culture put it in their review with ‘i cannot imagine this’, ‘cannot relate’, ‘don’t get the gist’, ‘don’t understand the story at all’ and other ‘tone deaf’ comments hinting the lack of cultural awareness.
.
(My review from ‘Sejarah Melayu - The Genealogy of Kings in its original language’ that has been revised according to this version) - It has 31 stories, and it told the stories of Malay Kings and its continuity of the kingship that took place in Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Kedah, Perak and to other Neighbouring States/ countries - Southeast Asian regions to be specific. We can see how ‘Sejarah Melayu’ connected Both Peninsular Malaysia to the modern day of Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand especially when the tales mentioned of The Javanese Empire, The Sultanate of Pasai and even Siam and Langkasuka Kingdom. Most of the conquests done by multiple marriages to strengthen ties seems to be the focus of these Malay Kings to assert their power. I can’t help but felt that it was so male-centric and patriarchal to the point i am wondering where the strong / badass women in this text are. They only mentioned women when an alliance (of marriages) was needed. The duality of these kings is so bizzarrely clear - on one side the preaching on Islamic Teaching, on another side - he killed all the men that failed to protect his son (The logic is not logicking here*) - for some reason i forgot the number of this story). There’s also rape mentioned casually in the story numbers 17. Whats gotten worse the woman voice was silenced as her father (Sri Nara Diraja) decided to marry her (Tun Manda) off with the rapist (Patih Adam) and all was forgiven because it mentioned that he was a good husband. Other than that, It was interesting to see some contradictory on ‘Sejarah Melayu’ with ‘Hikayat Hang Tuah’, after all we were led to believe that it is Hang Tuah that manipulated Teja to fall in love with him and later, she were married off to Sultan Mahmud once she eloped with Tuah. ‘Sejarah Melayu’ on the other hand insisted that it was Hang Nadim. It applies the same with Hang Jebat that was known as someone that ‘Derhaka’ (Context : it is the custom of the Malays never to rebels against their masters ; read (Kings) so if you do that, you are ‘ derhaka’ ) then Hang Tuah killed him under the command of the sultan but in ‘Sejarah Melayu’, it was Hang Kasturi. At the end of the day, ‘Obeisance / Daulat’ , ‘ Curse/ Tulah’ , ‘Rebel / Derhaka’ was widely used and referred in this text, to amplify the supremacy of Malay Sultanate ages ago. Thats what makes them almost God-like in The Malay Annals. Warning ahead, there will be countless of Killings (peasants specifically) , Wars, Deceptions and Betrayals were part of these stories and once you passed 100 pages, you already got used to it. The stories were arranged whichever it fits thus you will find that it shifted abruptly, and it was not done in sequential manner. There are only 3 stories connected that was arranged in sequence manner as it foreshadows Portuguese fleet attack on Melaka and that event led to the end of Malay Kingship in Melaka. Overall, a highly recommended reading especially for Southeast Asians specifically Malaysians - read it for the culture, history and tradition. If you feel language might impose some barrier, go for the translated version. I would have given this 5 if my feminist brain were not so critical with these stories.
November 2, 2025
The work provides an interesting glimpse of the origin of king-subject dynamics in the Malay world. Did I enjoy reading it in a traditional sense? Probably not. But the book does give some interesting historical and social insights on the Malay royal institution.
August 28, 2022
I am not someone who is very much enthused about the history of the Malay sultanate, but upon seeing how it entices the reader to know more about the “history” of this region (southeast Asia), I could not resist picking the book up. However, this was of course not history in the traditional sense and is often touted as a “romantics history” instead. I may be ignorant in writing this, but I would have designated these accounts as historical fiction. For instance, mystical elements were integrated into the story, usually to legitimize the rule of a leader or demonstrate his (for all the main subjects are male) prowess, oftentimes with religious symbolism in parallel with the concept of “mandate of heaven”. Hence, it is only natural that chauvinistic overtones riddle the passages on the superiority of the lineage of the “Malay royal”. Admittedly, one should never judge a periodic piece through the modern lens, but it does become increasingly frustrating to read about entitled and marauding royals despite (some) having the brilliance of a good ruler. Additionally, the role of women had been relegated to being subservient or just ornamental. This was a difficult read for reasons I have mentioned, but I can imagine a history buff would otherwise give me a lecture on how I have completely missed the point of the book.
May 15, 2021
This is one of the most valuable treasure of the Malay Kingdom, the Sejarah Melayu or The Malay Annals should be recognised as a major Malay literature text at schools in the Malay Archipelago. It highlights the rise and fall of the Malay Kingdom as well as telling the customs, the adat istiadat of the Malay Sultanate.
While the book provides a written narrative in a contemporary translation, which I enjoyed reading, I would wish that there were visual aids such as maps, character trees/maps as well as a glossary of characters as there were several people having taken several names. A chronogical timeline would definitely be useful too.
I hope to read the text in the original Malay language as the Bahasa Istana or Royal Language and the text itself can never be fully translated to enjoy its beautiful eloquence.
While the book provides a written narrative in a contemporary translation, which I enjoyed reading, I would wish that there were visual aids such as maps, character trees/maps as well as a glossary of characters as there were several people having taken several names. A chronogical timeline would definitely be useful too.
I hope to read the text in the original Malay language as the Bahasa Istana or Royal Language and the text itself can never be fully translated to enjoy its beautiful eloquence.
November 8, 2023
This is actually the second time I have read this book.
For students of more traditional (perhaps label it western academic) histories and in particular those unfamiliar with the culture of the Malayan archipelago, this may be a challenging read. The context in which the action plays out is hard to frame and many characters are just names, not understandable personalities.
For students of more traditional (perhaps label it western academic) histories and in particular those unfamiliar with the culture of the Malayan archipelago, this may be a challenging read. The context in which the action plays out is hard to frame and many characters are just names, not understandable personalities.
March 21, 2022
It is a fairytale of how the monarchy exist in Tanah Melayu with undivided blind loyalty from the people. Although it is full of the power and mightiness of the monarchy as it is a fairytale which tend to propaganda things, the chronology and the history of which it depends on has a truth to it (it is align with what I have learnt at school, though history is written by the winners) starting from the first king to the defeat of Malacca. However it does shown the power of monarchy had towards the people that they can really do anything to the people, even killing the whole family just to get the daughter and it was justified some more. I adore the people who courageously think whenever the king request of something and simply rejects it whenever it is detrimental to them and I adore the kind of kings that are humane. There are some kings that really follow their religion and some whom blindly follow their hearts and effect people with it, may Allah protect us from this kind of people and this book wholly covered both as not all kings are kind and not all people are blind.
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May 11, 2021'The Genealogy of Kings' compiled & edited by Tun Sri Lanang, translated to English by Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh from Malaysia.
As we are all aware that there hasn't been enough factual sources to identify the actual author of the Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals). Or as described in this book 'Hikayat Melayu' (Narratives of the Malays).
It is widely accepted that Tun Sri Lanang compiled the various hikayats and then edited them during his imprisonment. The originals were written in the ancient Jawi script. Followed by Tun Sri Lanang, it underwent several other hands and got doctored along the way.
The initiative taken by Penguin SEA together with Prof Salleh in attempting at a modern version of Sejarah Melayu is absolutely commendable. Except that I feel they can do better.
The Melaka Sultanate was a flourishing Maritime Empire. The rise and fall of Melaka heavily altered the course of history in the Malay Archipelago. It began with a Hindu-Malay equation starting from the Kelings ( the Chozhas of Tamil Country) and transformed into an Islamic Malay Peninsula - one that commands respect and honour.
Every hikayat written in this book is disjointed. Disconnected, jumping from one to another without any actual control on the timeline of the stories. Eventually it becomes confusing and hard to keep up with each Hikayat.
There were historical legends nevertheless:
1. The first Sultan descended from the progeny of Alexander and a keling Chula Princess.
2. The founding of "Singa Pura" (Lion City in Sanskrit) by Sang Nila Utama
3. The last Sultan who ruled Singapore - Sri Iskandar Shah before he was defeated by the Javanese Majapahit and escaped to Melaka.
4. The founding of Melaka by Sri Iskandar Shah
5. The legend of Badang and the stone.
6. The legend of Hang Nadim and the swordfishes.
Times like these I wish I could read the original Jawi edition.
I love the Malay heritage and the vibrancy of cultural and culinary arts they have given to humanity. I've grown up listening to Malay folk stories often narrated by my late grandmother. Thus, I am compelled to give an unbiased opinion of this read. It has fell severely short of expectations. Because that is how much I love about the stories of the various Sultans in the Malay Archipelago (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore) which this particular book failed to give. Especially that I am born and raised in an island that was once ruled by Malay and Java kings, I expected a lot more from this epic.
I believe those who managed to enjoy this version must have had access to the more original versions in Jawi or the Romanized Malay. I am not sure if this modern version I have read has done due justice to the Sulalat al-Salatin which is considered to be the magnum opus on the reign of Malay Kings.
Special mention to Parag Chitale for the pretty cover art.
If you know of any historical Malay heritage books I should read to better understand the Sejarah Melayu, please drop a comment. Thank you.
#Igreads #thegenealogyofkings #sulalatalsalatin #tunserilanang #malayannals #sejarahmelayu #malayliterature #hikayatmelayu #malayarchipelago #malaypeninsula
#bookstagrammers
#book #bookstagram
#asianlit #asianliterature #asianwriters #translatedworks #penguinbookssea #translatedworks #penguinsoutheastasianclassics #penguinsg #singaporereads #readingnationsg #sgreads #penguinrandomhouse #southeastasianclassics
As we are all aware that there hasn't been enough factual sources to identify the actual author of the Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals). Or as described in this book 'Hikayat Melayu' (Narratives of the Malays).
It is widely accepted that Tun Sri Lanang compiled the various hikayats and then edited them during his imprisonment. The originals were written in the ancient Jawi script. Followed by Tun Sri Lanang, it underwent several other hands and got doctored along the way.
The initiative taken by Penguin SEA together with Prof Salleh in attempting at a modern version of Sejarah Melayu is absolutely commendable. Except that I feel they can do better.
The Melaka Sultanate was a flourishing Maritime Empire. The rise and fall of Melaka heavily altered the course of history in the Malay Archipelago. It began with a Hindu-Malay equation starting from the Kelings ( the Chozhas of Tamil Country) and transformed into an Islamic Malay Peninsula - one that commands respect and honour.
Every hikayat written in this book is disjointed. Disconnected, jumping from one to another without any actual control on the timeline of the stories. Eventually it becomes confusing and hard to keep up with each Hikayat.
There were historical legends nevertheless:
1. The first Sultan descended from the progeny of Alexander and a keling Chula Princess.
2. The founding of "Singa Pura" (Lion City in Sanskrit) by Sang Nila Utama
3. The last Sultan who ruled Singapore - Sri Iskandar Shah before he was defeated by the Javanese Majapahit and escaped to Melaka.
4. The founding of Melaka by Sri Iskandar Shah
5. The legend of Badang and the stone.
6. The legend of Hang Nadim and the swordfishes.
Times like these I wish I could read the original Jawi edition.
I love the Malay heritage and the vibrancy of cultural and culinary arts they have given to humanity. I've grown up listening to Malay folk stories often narrated by my late grandmother. Thus, I am compelled to give an unbiased opinion of this read. It has fell severely short of expectations. Because that is how much I love about the stories of the various Sultans in the Malay Archipelago (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore) which this particular book failed to give. Especially that I am born and raised in an island that was once ruled by Malay and Java kings, I expected a lot more from this epic.
I believe those who managed to enjoy this version must have had access to the more original versions in Jawi or the Romanized Malay. I am not sure if this modern version I have read has done due justice to the Sulalat al-Salatin which is considered to be the magnum opus on the reign of Malay Kings.
Special mention to Parag Chitale for the pretty cover art.
If you know of any historical Malay heritage books I should read to better understand the Sejarah Melayu, please drop a comment. Thank you.
#Igreads #thegenealogyofkings #sulalatalsalatin #tunserilanang #malayannals #sejarahmelayu #malayliterature #hikayatmelayu #malayarchipelago #malaypeninsula
#bookstagrammers
#book #bookstagram
#asianlit #asianliterature #asianwriters #translatedworks #penguinbookssea #translatedworks #penguinsoutheastasianclassics #penguinsg #singaporereads #readingnationsg #sgreads #penguinrandomhouse #southeastasianclassics
May 15, 2021
Genealogy of Kings is a history of the Malay Peninsula and the islands of the Archipelago.
This masterpiece has been translated into many other main languages around the world and it also has several version of it’s literacy.
Originally titled Sulalatus Salatin, is a literary work that gives a romanticized history of the origin, evolution and demise of the great Malay maritime empire, the Malacca Sultanate.
The work which was composed sometime between 15th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language.
In 2001, the Malay Annals were listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register.
A masterpiece.
Prof. Muhammad Haji Salleh has made a superb effort and work translating this block of masterpiece into a great read.
Not to mention, the word that was used into translating the old language and literacy was easy to read and comprehensible even though most of the text was modernized into today’s readers understanding.
Plus, the narrative was also made into a light and airy to read. Each and every part of the text was translated well without defining the original meaning and context of the word.
I learned many new things from reading this book. As a historical book, I was never bored with the reading and enjoyed every single pages.
It was like I traveled back in time to personally visit those moments that was told. Such a memorable trip!
Prof. Muhammad Haji Salleh has also included some initial information at the early pages of the book. This would be a great help to those who know a little less about classic heritage of Malay.
On the other half, the only thing I hope that would be included in this book was a Map. For me I personally think that this would help for a better understanding in terms of the location of the old Malay Empire and other lands.
But nevertheless, I highly recommend this book for those history enthusiasts plus for those who would like go deeper into Malay histories.
I would rate this book a total 5/5 grand stars!
Thank you Times Reads for sending me this Review Copy in exchange for an honest and transparent review. This book is available in all bookstores!
History like this should always be passed down to other generations. This would ensure all the links and lineage related to our great ancestors won’t be lost in time.
This masterpiece has been translated into many other main languages around the world and it also has several version of it’s literacy.
Originally titled Sulalatus Salatin, is a literary work that gives a romanticized history of the origin, evolution and demise of the great Malay maritime empire, the Malacca Sultanate.
The work which was composed sometime between 15th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language.
In 2001, the Malay Annals were listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register.
A masterpiece.
Prof. Muhammad Haji Salleh has made a superb effort and work translating this block of masterpiece into a great read.
Not to mention, the word that was used into translating the old language and literacy was easy to read and comprehensible even though most of the text was modernized into today’s readers understanding.
Plus, the narrative was also made into a light and airy to read. Each and every part of the text was translated well without defining the original meaning and context of the word.
I learned many new things from reading this book. As a historical book, I was never bored with the reading and enjoyed every single pages.
It was like I traveled back in time to personally visit those moments that was told. Such a memorable trip!
Prof. Muhammad Haji Salleh has also included some initial information at the early pages of the book. This would be a great help to those who know a little less about classic heritage of Malay.
On the other half, the only thing I hope that would be included in this book was a Map. For me I personally think that this would help for a better understanding in terms of the location of the old Malay Empire and other lands.
But nevertheless, I highly recommend this book for those history enthusiasts plus for those who would like go deeper into Malay histories.
I would rate this book a total 5/5 grand stars!
Thank you Times Reads for sending me this Review Copy in exchange for an honest and transparent review. This book is available in all bookstores!
History like this should always be passed down to other generations. This would ensure all the links and lineage related to our great ancestors won’t be lost in time.
April 6, 2021
Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh said that people should make effort to translate classical texts into new translations. It is good to have more than one translation per source text. This is because era changed and language evolve. New translations will give new breath and making it easier for the readers to understand.
In Gilmore Girls (S2:E9), when the students were learning about Shakespeare, the teacher divided the students into groups based on separate acts on the Romeo and Juliet play. The students were allowed to do their own interpretation as long as they highlight the theme. The teacher explained that in the previous year they did the scenes from Richard III where one group did the interpretation as the Mafiosi, another set during the Roman Empire and the climactic last scene was set during the final days of ‘The Sonny and Cher Show’.
For me this is fascinating as it allows one to understand better about the classical texts. Prof Muhammad did a wonderful work in translating this Sulalatus Salatin as the language is easy to understand yet one can still see the beauty of the classical text.
In Gilmore Girls (S2:E9), when the students were learning about Shakespeare, the teacher divided the students into groups based on separate acts on the Romeo and Juliet play. The students were allowed to do their own interpretation as long as they highlight the theme. The teacher explained that in the previous year they did the scenes from Richard III where one group did the interpretation as the Mafiosi, another set during the Roman Empire and the climactic last scene was set during the final days of ‘The Sonny and Cher Show’.
For me this is fascinating as it allows one to understand better about the classical texts. Prof Muhammad did a wonderful work in translating this Sulalatus Salatin as the language is easy to understand yet one can still see the beauty of the classical text.
April 14, 2021
I loved learning about the historical Malay kings. At times, I got overloaded with so many characters but overall it was a great read! It's like reading short stories but one with continuation. I loved that I could understand more about the Melaka empire especially from a different lens.
March 11, 2025
You already learn about the history of Malay sultanates at school and this is the book if you want to refresh again the history. Kudos to the Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh for translating the manuscript as well.
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October 10, 2021not bad not bad
September 4, 2023
Easier to read for a normal person.
May 29, 2025
God of War but in Malay version.
January 21, 2024
"Truth may not only be sought in written pages but also in the words spoken by the bards and singers."
❤ As bloodline and heritage matter a lot in our history, the story started not just at the built of Melaka, but how the lineage of its rulers came to be. Which was good, as we also learned the history of how other places came to be (Sumatera and Singapore, for example).
The whole chronology was detailed; from how a ruler was crowned, the administration, rules and religious movements, even the deaths of the ministers and nobles. It even went into the details of how the rulers left Melaka as the Portuguese invaded. Despite the romanticisation of the history, the Annals has no qualms of hiding the problem of the empire, which were all bluntly shown.
💔 ... Which brought me to what I hate about this story as a whole. Yes, it is history, so take my thoughts on this with a pinch of salt.
Treatment of the women, commoners and poor were really, really bad. Certain acts of the Sultan and the nobles were pardoned, mostly due to the noble blood they have. Let's not talk about the back-stabbing and randomly attacking other countries. Modern world's common sense definitely doesn't work here. And lastly, similar titles given to different nobles at different timelines confused the heck out of me.
Originally posted at ReadingDyad as Miracchin.
December 30, 2024
A fascinating historical account of royal lineage and Malay heritage, especially given the fact that I've recently learnt about my family's royal anxestry as well. The storytelling blends myth and history, offering a rich cultural tapestry of the Malays in Southeast Asia.
May 11, 2023
A book every Malaysian should read.
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