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Imperial Twilight

The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age
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( 3,007 ratings, 358 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Imperial Twilight by Stephen R. Platt delves into the complex relations between China and the West leading up to the Opium War. It explores the political and economic tensions, as well as the cultural misunderstandings that set the stage for this significant conflict, offering a detailed look at the events and personalities that shaped this period in history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the history of China and Britain's complex interactions leading up to the Opium War. It provides an in-depth look at the socio-political dynamics and the characters involved in this pivotal period in history, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts.

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The definitive history of the Opium War between Britain and China in the nineteenth century, shortlisted for the 2018 Baillie Gifford Prize.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Financial Times' best history books of the year

Sunday Times' best history books of the year

In 1839 Britain embarked on the first of its wars with China, sealing the fate of the most prosperous and powerful empire in Asia, if not the world. Motivated by drug profiteering and free-trade interests, the Opium War helped shape the China we know today, sparking the eventual fall of the Qing dynasty and the rise of nationalism and communism in the twentieth century.

Imperial Twilight is a riveting and revealing account of the end of China's Golden Age and the origins of one of the most unjust wars in history.

'Entertaining and well-paced... Platt's compelling book is a sobering read that should focus the minds of those who like to talk of the achievements of the Victorian age without thinking about how those were achieved, or how they were funded.' - Peter Frankopan, Spectator

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Stephen R. Platt's Imperial Twilight is praised for its engaging narrative and detailed character portrayals in exploring the events leading up to the First Opium War. Critics highlight the book's masterful storytelling, rich historical research, and its ability to provide a fresh perspective on Anglo-Chinese relations during the early 19th century. It's noted for being both scholarly and accessible, shedding light on the lasting impact of these historical events on contemporary East-West interactions.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786494870

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Illustration: 2 Maps

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 540g

Pages: 560

About the Author

Stephen R. Platt holds a PhD from Yale University and is Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His last book, Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom, won the Cundill History Prize in 2012.

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