David Meyer traces Hong Kong's vibrant history from the arrival of the foreign trading firms in the 1840s to its celebrated handover to China in 1997. Throughout this period, Hong Kong has been a pivotal meeting place of the Chinese and foreign social networks of capital. The author offers an optimistic view of Hong Kong in the twenty-first century, challenging those who predict its decline under Chinese rule. The story of Hong Kong's success will interest anyone concerned with its past, present and future.

List of figures; List of maps; List of tables; Preface; 1. Enigma; 2. Intermediaries of capital; 3. From Canton to Hong Kong; 4. Hub of the China trade; 5. Chinese and foreign social networks of capital; 6. Trade and finance center for Asia; 7. Industrial metropolis; 8. Global metropolis for Asia; 9. Hong Kong, China; Bibliography; Index.