The Opium War, 1840-1842 cover

The Opium War, 1840-1842

by Peter Ward Fay

A history of opium usage in China, starting with the East India Company in Calcutta, and its monopoly over the opium trade. The great trading companies of Canton smuggled opium into mainland China despite Chinese bans on the product, finally forcing the Chinese government to fight the foreigners first, and later to open up the country. Very detailed and well researched. Excellent, almost dramatic, retelling of history. Makes you want to re-read 'Shogun' all over again!

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?