Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805–1830, Volume Three: Water, Wigs and Wisdom

By Marcus Langdon.

Filling a major gap in historiography, Marcus Langdon offers a meticulous reconstruction of the formative period of Penang’s development. Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805-1830, Volume Three: Water, Wigs and Wisdom continues the in-depth and compelling narrative of this fascinating period in history, relying on heavily researched primary documents, original correspondence, and contemporary accounts. Illustrated with several never-before-seen paintings, engravings and maps, the volume serves as an authoritative reference for historians and general readers alike.

Editorial Reviews “Much of the answer to one of my questions about Penang’s history can indeed be found in Langdon’s book, which makes me an immediate fan of his commendable project . . . Langdon has accomplished a book that no person interested in Penang’s past can do without. It is finely produced with an impressive array of illustrations, and is clearly one of the finest books on the first decades of the island’s history.” Ooi Kee Beng, The Penang Monthly

“This monograph is extremely valuable. Marcus Langdon’s scrupulous use of relatively inaccessible, handwritten primary documents, undertaken with the passion of a committed researcher, is not likely to be replicated.” Loh Wei Leng, formerly University of Malaya.

About the Author Born in England but transplanted to Australia early in life, Marcus Langdon is acknowledged as the leading authority on Penang’s early history under the East India Company. He has published in scholarly journals and his research findings have been widely cited by heritage advocates, architects, conservationists and local historian. He currently lives in Penang.