A simpler version of former president S R Nathan's memoirs was launched on Thursday at the National Library.

The book, titled "50 Stories from my life", comprises excerpts from Mr Nathan's memoirs which are written in more accessible way for younger readers. Mr Nathan said he wanted to produce "a much shorter, readable book that would appeal to people of all ages, particularly the young".

He hoped youngsters could draw important lessons from the anecdotes in the book.

The 184-page paperback is available in all major bookstores for $19.90. Some 2,000 copies have been donated to secondary schools, junior colleges and the Institute of Technical Education.