These British books were published between 1833-1941, to give listings of active corporations, foreign residents and government agencies of all nationalities for each particular year, together with their addresses in countries including Borneo, China, Indo-China, Japan, Korea and The Philippines.
They were compiled annually from many different local sources, and include names and addresses of Western corporations, institutions, consulates and foreign residents. Details of the residents include addresses, occupations and employers.
Parts of these books can also contain details of treaties, conflicts, changes of jurisdiction, relevant law, currencies and taxes, public holidays, festivals and traditions.