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The Last Kings Of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China,Used
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In Vivid Detail... Examines The Littleknown History Of Two Extraordinary Dynasties.'The Boston Globe'Not Just A Brilliant, Wellresearched, And Highly Readable Book About China'S Past, It Also Reveals The Contingencies And Ironic Twists Of Fate In China'S Modern History.'La Review Of Booksan Epic, Multigenerational Story Of Two Rival Dynasties Who Flourished In Shanghai And Hong Kong As Twentiethcentury China Surged Into The Modern Era, From The Pulitzer Prizewinning Journalistshanghai, 1936. The Cathay Hotel, Located On The City'S Famous Waterfront, Is One Of The Most Glamorous In The World. Built By Victor Sassoonbillionaire Playboy And Scion Of The Sassoon Dynastythe Hotel Hosts A Who'S Who Of Global Celebrities: Noel Coward Has Written A Draft Of Private Lives In His Suite And Charlie Chaplin Has Entertained His Wifetobe. And A Few Miles Away, Mao And The Nascent Communist Party Have Been Plotting Revolution.By The 1930S, The Sassoons Had Been Doing Business In China For A Century, Rivaled In Wealth And Influence By Only One Other Dynastythe Kadoories. These Two Jewish Families, Both Originally From Baghdad, Stood Astride Chinese Business And Politics For More Than 175 Years, Profiting From The Opium Wars; Surviving Japanese Occupation; Courting Chiang Kaishek; And Losing Nearly Everything As The Communists Swept Into Power. In The Last Kings Of Shanghai, Jonathan Kaufman Tells The Remarkable History Of How These Families Participated In An Economic Boom That Opened China To The World, But Remained Blind To The Country'S Deep Inequality And To The Political Turmoil At Their Doorsteps. In A Story Stretching From Baghdad To Hong Kong To Shanghai To London, Kaufman Enters The Lives And Minds Of These Ambitious Men And Women To Forge A Tale Of Opium Smuggling, Family Rivalry, Political Intrigue, And Survival.The Book Lays Bare The Moral Compromises Of The Kadoories And The Sassoonsand Their Exceptional Foresight, Success, And Generosity. At The Height Of World War Ii, They Joined Together To Rescue And Protect Eighteen Thousand Jewish Refugees Fleeing Nazism. Though Their Stay In China Started Out As A Business Opportunity, The Country Became A Home They Were Reluctant To Leave, Even On The Eve Of Revolution. The Lavish Buildings They Built And The Booming Businesses They Nurtured Continue To Define Shanghai And Hong Kong To This Day. As The United States Confronts China'S Rise, And China Grapples With The Pressures Of Breakneck Modernization And Global Power, The Longhidden Odysseys Of The Sassoons And The Kadoories Hold A Key To Understanding The Present Moment.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in 'The Last Kings of Shanghai'? A: This book contains three hundred eighty-four pages. It provides a comprehensive look at the history of two influential dynasties.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is hardcover. This ensures durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Jonathan Kaufman. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist renowned for his insightful historical narratives.
- Q: What is the genre of 'The Last Kings of Shanghai'? A: The genre is historical non-fiction. It explores the intricate history of two rival Jewish dynasties in China.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions are six point two inches in length, one point twenty-three inches in width, and nine point twenty-nine inches in height. This size makes it convenient for reading and display.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme focuses on the rivalry and impact of the Sassoon and Kadoorie families in modern China. It examines their business dealings and moral compromises.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is best suited for adult readers. It contains complex themes related to history and politics that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
- Q: How does the author portray the dynasties in the book? A: The author portrays the dynasties as both influential and morally complex. He delves into their successes and the ethical dilemmas they faced.
- Q: What historical events are covered in the book? A: The book covers events such as the Opium Wars, Japanese occupation, and the rise of Communism in China. These events shaped the narratives of the Sassoons and Kadoories.
- Q: How does the book address China's modernization? A: The book discusses how the actions of these dynasties contributed to China's economic boom while ignoring social inequalities. It highlights the contrasts of wealth and poverty.
- Q: What is the significance of the Cathay Hotel in the story? A: The Cathay Hotel symbolizes the glamour of Shanghai in the 1930s. It was a hub for celebrities and reflects the opulence of the Sassoon dynasty.
- Q: Does the book include any personal stories? A: Yes, the book includes personal stories of the Sassoon and Kadoorie families. It explores their lives, ambitions, and challenges in a changing China.
- Q: Is there a focus on the Jewish heritage in the book? A: Yes, the book highlights the Jewish heritage of the Sassoons and Kadoories. It examines their contributions and struggles in a predominantly non-Jewish environment.
- Q: What makes this book a valuable read? A: This book is valuable for its in-depth research and engaging storytelling. It offers unique insights into the intersection of business and politics in China.
- Q: Are there any illustrations or photographs in the book? A: The book does not focus on illustrations or photographs. It is primarily text-based, emphasizing historical narrative and analysis.