Three books by Vuong Hong Sen, "Saigon in the Old Days," "Saigon Medley," and "Saigon Through My Eyes," have been re-released in hardcover by Tre Publishing House. The publisher notes the books feature Vuong Hong Sen's characteristic leisurely storytelling style, alongside rich historical details not often found in mainstream publications.

Cover of "Saigon in the Old Days" by Vuong Hong Sen. Photo: Tre

Three works by scholar Truong Vinh Ky are also featured. "Gia Dinh Scenic Bay" comprises three poems: "Ancient Gia Dinh Scenic Bay," "The Fall of Gia Dinh Bay," and "Modern Gia Dinh Scenic Bay." Truong Vinh Ky transcribed these poems into the modern Vietnamese alphabet and annotated them in 1882. Researcher Nguyen Dinh Dau later wrote an introduction to these poems, providing context for readers. Though a slim volume, the work evokes places, people, and stories largely forgotten today.

"Historical Memories of Saigon and its Surroundings" (Souvenirs historiques sur Saigon et ses environs) is a speech written and delivered by Truong Vinh Ky at the College of Interpreters while he was its director, reprinted in the journal Excursions et Reconnaissances in 1885. Nguyen Dinh Dau abridged and annotated the text, which begins, "Let us roam through old Saigon, explore all its paths, and express our observations, both geographical and historical. What was Saigon like in the past? Before and during the Gia Long dynasty? What about under Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Tu Duc? What was Saigon like when the French first arrived?"

The book transports readers back to the pre-colonial era and the time of the French invasion. During that period, Saigon's appearance and place names transformed with the addition of new streets and buildings. Truong Vinh Ky's account serves as a valuable resource in Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City’s historical archives, including the original French text. The book also features old maps and images, such as a 1795 map of Saigon, an 1873 map of Saigon-Cho Lon, a view of Dong Khoi Street when Europeans first arrived, and scenes of Ben Nghe Port and the beginning of Kinh Lap Street (now Nguyen Hue Street).

Book cover about Saigon by writer Son Nam. Photo: Tre

Nguyen Dinh Dau's research includes two books: "A Brief History of Saigon from the 17th Century to the French Invasion (1859)" and "Questions and Answers about the Geography of Saigon-Gia Dinh." The latter compiles over 70 questions and answers, providing an overview of the city from the 17th century to 1975. The author addresses questions such as why Ben Nghe was both a seaport and a river port, and the location of the old Gia Dinh citadel on modern maps.

Writer Son Nam contributed three accessible essays focusing on southern Vietnam and Saigon-Gia Dinh: "History of Land Reclamation in the South," "Introduction to Old Saigon - 300 Years of Impressions - Approaching the Mekong Delta," and "Old Gia Dinh Land - Old Ben Nghe - Saigon People." Tre Publishing House holds the lifetime copyright to these three publications.

Mai Nhat