{"title":"Lawrence James","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLawrence James\u003c\/strong\u003e is a distinguished British historian renowned for his insightful explorations into historical and military narratives. With a knack for weaving intricate details into compelling stories, James has captured the imaginations of history enthusiasts around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of his notable works, \u003cem\u003eThe Lion and the Dragon\u003c\/em\u003e, delves into the fascinating interplay between the British Empire and China, showcasing his ability to elucidate complex political and military relationships with clarity and nuance. This well-researched title epitomises his expertise in unearthing the deeper undercurrents of historical events that have shaped our modern world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJames's books are treasured resources for anyone with an interest in history and military affairs, offering both an educational experience and an engaging narrative. His meticulous research and engaging storytelling turn history into an accessible and enjoyable journey through time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the world through Lawrence James's eyes and discover the intricate dynamics that have defined historical milestones, all told with the sharp insights of a seasoned historian.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-lion-and-the-dragon-by-lawrence-james-9781474610209","title":"The Lion and the Dragon","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNapoleon warned, \u003cem\u003e\"Let China sleep; when she wakes, she will shake the world.\"\u003c\/em\u003e Lawrence James's magisterial history analyses the relationship between Britain and China between the beginning of the Opium Wars in 1839 and the transfer of power in Hong Kong in 1997.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Lion and the Dragon\u003c\/em\u003e reveals the part that Britain played in the awakening of China, then covers relations between the two countries during the period when an aroused China did indeed shake the world. Lawrence James also follows the parallel trajectories of four competitive empires—the British, the Chinese, the Russian, and the Japanese—during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and then the fortunes of a fifth imperial power, the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuccessive British governments saw China as a source of wealth which needed to be protected. Local objections were seen off by force (the 'Opium' wars of 1839-42, 1856-57, and 1859-60), whose results proved that the Qing emperors could not protect their country. Indian troops were deployed in each campaign and manned Britain's small garrisons in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other Treaty ports. Yet Britain never sought to make China into another India. Rather, it allowed the emperors and their officials to govern, so long as they were docile and amenable to British needs. Paramount were the internal stability and fiscal responsibility that were the lubricants of trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA unified nation with economic and military muscle, and aware of its distant past as one of the great nations of the world, has been intent on reversing her recent history. Lawrence James vividly chronicles a time when this huge nation's divisions encouraged foreigners to treat her as a treasure-house to be plundered at will. This warning from history explains why China's present rulers brook neither dissent nor popular unrest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46850329673964,"sku":"9781474610209","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8f47638dd07b2205929aeadcf4331e15.jpg?v=1759082490"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/lawrence-james.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}