Between tradition and modernity: Lauddin and his “Story of the Young Captain” (commented translation and research article)

Abstract

The publication (a research article and Russian translation) deals with the earliest specimen of Malay documentary prose, the memoirs of a non-professional author Lauddin, who came from a prosperous merchant family. The book describes actual historical events, which took place in the mid 18th century: the dramatic rivalry between the Dutch and the British in the Java and Sumatra regions. This rivalry was crucial for Lauddin’s fate as that of his father and brothers. In terms of its content, Lauddin's work can certainly be considered innovative. At the same time, a truthful story about events in which he himself was a witness or participant is built according to the laws of the Malay epic narrative. The book traces parallels with such classics as the “Chronicle of the Kings of Pasai”, “Malay Annals”, and “The Tale of Hang Tuah”. Thus, Lauddin shows that he sticks to the canon and, willingly or unwillingly, includes his memoirs in the traditional literary context.