Penang under the East India Company 1786-1858

Most cities and towns develop naturally from modest origins, growing and maturing over time ... In the case of Penang (and Singapore a few decades later), however, its origins cannot be linked to an ancient settlement, but must instead be teased from wider political and commercial influences. Though George Town was not rooted on older urban stock, the calculations that led to the decision to established a British settlement on Penang reach deep into the history of the East India Company, and into changing mercantile patterns, strategic interest and regional politics.

- from Introduction -