Describes how nineteenth-century British efforts to open China to trade set in motion the fall of the Qing dynasty and started a war that allowed for the rise of nationalism and communism in the twentieth century.

"A Borzoi book."

pt. I. Gracious spring. A time of wonder -- Black wind -- The edge of the world -- Sea and land -- Points of entry -- Hidden shoals -- pt. II. The milk of paradise. Boom times -- Fire and smoke -- Freedom -- A darkening turn -- Means of solution -- The last honest man -- pt. III. Blood-ravenous autumn. Showdown -- Will and destiny -- Aftermath -- Houqua and Forbes.