SINGAPORE: A new book, launched at the Istana by President S R Nathan, captures Singapore's dramatic evolution over the past 50 years.

"Chronicle of Singapore - Fifty Years of Headline News" is packed with information and offers a unique insight into the country's history.

From politics to crime and even pop culture, the book gives an easy overview of success and scandals since 1959. The book also features controversial commentaries from other media.

Broadcaster MediaCorp contributed some of its rare film footage to the book's accompanying hour-long DVD.

"It is like time travel. It is not a book you read cover to cover, but you decide on what year you want to get into and you go back into the year and also go forward. And if you want action, the companion DVD has a lot of action," said Peter Lim, the book's editor-in-chief.

- CNA/sc