The Chinese Opium Wars

by Jack Beeching

An enlightening account of a notorious period in nineteenth-century imperialism, when an effort by the Chinese government to stamp out the country's profitable opium trade resulted in a series of conflicts known as the Opium Wars. Index; illustrations and map.

Genres: History, China, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Francis Arndt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vivacious and lively re-telling of this seminal period in China's recent history. Beeching has a broad and engaged handle on the movers and shakers of the period, with an eye for standout personages and eccentric details. This makes sprightly reading for an otherwise dreary and depressing tale of the cynical corruption of China (both from within and without, mainly without) at the hands of indifferent or cretinous political figures, exploitative and piratical traders, and out-and-out criminals.
It can at times seem as though clarity of narrative and importance of event are lost to Beeching's desire to include a colourful anecdote or interesting character. The microscope is held close to the petri dish displaying China's disintegration, with a notable loss of wider circumstances. One is left with the impression that England was, as a whole, entirely indifferent and directionless and that the Emperor of China was, mostly, uninterested and directionless. No doubt there was a callous ignorance from both ruling elites, but their voices seem quieter and less effective than would be expected.
Despite a general evenhandedness and obvious liking of Chinese history and society, there remains a weaker coverage of the Chinese side and a tendency toward speculation and caricature.
An entertaining and excellent read for anyone interested in the subject; the same, even, for those coming to it by accident.

[José Nebreda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Demasiado anglo. Ha terminado aburriéndome y lo he dejado. Estos no se dan cuenta de que su manera de contar la historia cansa al público no anglosajón y más imparcial en muchas ocasiones.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author leads the reader through the how's and why's this war started and things that still effect recient history like, the war was the result of Great Britain occupying Hong Kong for 99 years and Russia gaining Vladivostok and a territory the size of Korea by being on the winning side. Plus it indirectly makes Queen Victora the biggest drug dealer in history.

[Nyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an instant engage. I had started another book about the Opium Wars and never finished. This book moves along much faster, although I hope to finish the other book after I complete this one (if I can find it).

Although it took me so long to finish, it is not a poor reflection on this book. In fact, it is a compliment that I could repeatedly leave the book for weeks on end and yet immediately follow the thread I had left behind. Well written for the style of historical writing of the 70's.

Although one cannot always judge this because of one's own prejudices, I believe it was a very balanced view of the wars and relations between all the parties.

[Clayton Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear concise history of the two wars fought in China over opium trade.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engagingly written

[Guy Salvidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid history of fascinating period.