"The Istana" coffee table book, written by Dr K K Seet, was published in 2000.  It traces the history of the Istana back to its earlier incarnation as the Government House, the first of which was built on Forbidden Hill in 1823.  The book documents the events held at the Istana and narrates anecdotes involving its illustrious occupants, from the governors of Singapore to the Yang di-Pertuan Negara and the Presidents of the Republic of Singapore.  It also offers a glimpse of the Istana, after its major refurbishment from 1996 to 1998. 

"The Istana" coffee table book can be found at selected public libraries in Singapore.