For a long time in Malaysia, as in many other developing countries, book publishing and printing has been an area in which there has been little research done despite its accepted role in, and contribution to, the nation's development. In contrast with newspapers, information on publishing of English or vernacular language books is very limited. Studies relating to its history and chronology, business and trade, organisational arrangement, technical development and its cultural aspect are markedly lacking. The absence of a comprehensive bibliography of early books makes it difficult to appreciate previous works. The handful of studies available are scattered and still at a preliminary stage.