Captain Elliot and the Founding of Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient

by Jon Bursey

An in-depth look at the life of Captain Charles Elliot—from his Royal Navy career to his controversial role in establishing Hong Kong as a British colony.   On January 26, 1841, the British took possession of the island of Hong Kong. The Convention of Chuenpi was immediately repudiated by both the British and Chinese governments and their respective negotiators recalled. For the British this was Capt. Charles Elliot, whose actions in China became mired in controversy for years to come.   Who was Captain Elliot, and how did he find himself at the center of this debate? This book traces Elliot’s career from his early life through his years in the Royal Navy before focusing on his role in the First Anglo-Chinese War and the founding of what became the Crown Colony of Hong Kong. Elliot has been demonized by China and for the most part poorly regarded by historians. This book shows him to have been a man ahead of his time whose views on slavery, armed conflict, the role of women and racial equality often placed him at variance with contemporary attitudes. Twenty years after the return of Hong Kong to China, his legacy is still with us.

Genres: History

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2018

Reviews

[Benjamin Lai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written biography

Through disecting Elliott's personal letters aa well as his many official communicatons Bursey has given us a new look at the epoch making Opium War. How Britain went to war with China was more to do with a "butterfly effect" of many events, which at the time seems unconnected, but when taken in the grand scheme of geopolitical intrigue between states eventually push two countries to war. The tremour of which is still being felt today. I fully concour with Howqua opinion: Eliott is a No 1 good man

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the publication of this account of Charles Elliot, utilising a lot of sources to not only his life and work, but also the historical background. This would give a fairer understanding of the difficulties he encountered when he was so far away and communication with his own government took months, not seconds as in the modern world. This book opened the eyes of those interested in the events leading to the founding of this Pearl of the Orient... Coincidentally, his death would be 2 days later 149 years ago.

[Jason Kerridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched book with colourful description of the events shaping life of captain. Elliot. A must for anyone interested in the establishment of Hong Kong and the opium wars.
Jon Bursey also gives an insight to many other issues of the time such as the abolition of the slave trade, the changing attitude of the British government. Also interesting is the view of the social structures in victorian society.

[Bruce Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive and engaging biography of Charles Elliott.

However, the title is utterly misleading - obviously Elliott did have a role in the founding of Hong Kong, but this takes up only around a third of this book.