British Business in Asia Since 1860

This 1989 book examines the experience of British business in Asia since 1860. Following a wide-ranging introduction by the editors, there are essays by leading specialist historians on British business in Iran, India, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Russian Asia and Japan. The primary focus is on the impact of British commerce in the region, and the essays, based on research in British business archives and government papers, discuss the activities and performance of British companies. However, the book seeks to avoid a 'Euro-centred' approach by using Asian as much as British sources and by paying particular attention to the indigenous response to British commercial activity. The secondary theme is the relationship between British business and British and foreign government. The book, therefore, contributes to the wider debate on the business aspects of imperialism. In general, the essays, although drawing on extensive research in primary sources, are written as general surveys, and are thus easily accessible to non-specialists and students.