Description
Wong argues that the opium trade played a large causative role in the Anglo-Chinese Arrow War.
Reviews
'... an exhaustively researched and thoroughly documented study that unravels British and Chinese intentions, perceptions, and reactions, their diplomatic and economic agendas, the impact of personalities, popular opinion, and (in the case of Britain) the press, as well as the roles which other powers played. Deadly Dreams should be required reading for historians of modern China, modern imperialism, and modern India.' Economic History Review
'The book is a tour de force of evidence and argument ... Wong's book has without doubt, now become the standard work on the Arrow war and will certainly become mandatory reading for students of Chinese and British imperial history ... this excellent study is indispensable to all future research on Ottoman economic history.' Journal of Asiatic Studies
'Wong's Deadly Dreams is a masterly piece of research which will set standards for years to come. Wong offers what could be described as an updated version of histoire totale, which starts from the evenementielle and moves towards the larger structures of the global economy. Wong's book is in some respects reminiscent of Braudel's Mediterranean, with its exciting mixture of in-depth study of the 'world system' of the British empire, and detective-like attention for individuals and details.' The Historical Journal
'J. Y. Wong, in this excellent account that left no record unturned, has come out with the clearest statement on why, all said, that war might yet be simply described as the result of opium trading.' Journal of Oriental Studies
'Wong's monumental study and the industry over many years it represents must command respect. it is unlikely that anyone will produce a more comprehensive investigation of the Arrow War or trawl so painstakingly through the awesome mass of sources.' Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History
Book Information
ISBN 9780521526197
Author J. Y. Wong
Format Paperback
Page Count 576
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 1000g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 154mm * 40mm