The Opium War

By: Brian Inglis

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

1839. Trade is the stalwart of the British Empire. China threatens Britain's Opium trade. Britain and China go to war.

When Britain sent troops to compel the Chinese to accept imports of opium, they opened what is argued to be one of the most disgraceful chapters in the history of the Empire.

How did the situation arise? How did opium exports become so crucial to the British economy? How did the British come to be as addicted to opium revenue as the Chinese were to the drug itself?

Brian Inglis gives the answers to these and other questions in this meticulously researched study of The Opium War. Shocking, shaming, but fascinating throughout.

©1976 Brian Inglis (P)2021 Tantor

Very thorough analysis of a complex period without unguided judgement - providing an inform opinion without being opinionated.

Could have perhaps had a little more context with regard to British expansionism and how that preceded the war

Prohibition is profitable

For those unconcerned by the laws of the elite, imposed on the plebs, prohibition is a very lucrative endeavor. The British empire has known that for centuries...

Absorbing and engrossing

The authors prose flows with fluidity that is oftej elusive. An marvelous fusions of Scholarship and Populist prose achieving an impeccable synthesis

Excellent book

This was my favorite book about the opium war on audible. The book is really a history of the East India Company and 19th century British government policy in Asia. A great deal of Indian and colonial history is found in the book. A history of the parliamentary debates that led up to the Opium war is also found in the book. If you are a fan of Victoria era British colonial history then you will love this book. If you are looking for a book that focuses more on the Chinese perspective you may be disappointed.

Detailed academic treatment.

Highly detailed. Very much the back and forth of Chinese, English, Indian, and USA roles in opium trade leading to the wars.

Overall good. Not a favorite.