Synopses & Reviews
From the bestselling author of
Flags of our Fathers, Flyboys, and
The Imperial Cruise, a riveting, revisionist history of US-China relations from the 19
th century to the dawn of World War II.
In each of his books, James Bradley has exposed the hidden truths behind the history of America's engagement in Asia. In Flags of our Fathers he revealed the painful legacy of Iwo Jima; in Flyboys he told the unknown story of a group of lost American pilots in the Pacific; and in The Imperial Cruise he laid bare the hidden origins of the Spanish-American War. The China Mirage is his most ambitious book yet, a vast history of American-Chinese relations from its missionary origins to the eve of WWII. Sure to be controversial in its dark portraits of those whom conventional history has acclaimed, potent in its critique of the missionary instinct, and brilliant in its exploration of the power of myth and mirage to convince men and women and nations that destiny is on their side, this is James Bradley's most intrepid work yet. And at a moment when relations between China and America are Topic #1, the book — the vigorous discussion it will spawn — could not be better timed.
Synopsis
From the bestselling author of
Flags of our Fathers,
Flyboys, and
The Imperial Cruise, a spellbinding history of turbulent U.S.-China relations from the 19th century to World War II and Mao's ascent.
In each of his books, James Bradley has exposed the hidden truths behind America's engagement in Asia. Now comes his most engrossing work yet. Beginning in the 1850s, Bradley introduces us to the prominent Americans who made their fortunes in the China opium trade. As they — good Christians all — profitably addicted millions, American missionaries arrived, promising salvation for those who adopted Western ways.
And that was just the beginning.
From drug dealer Warren Delano to his grandson Franklin Delano Roosevelt, from the port of Hong Kong to the towers of Princeton University, from the era of Appomattox to the age of the A-Bomb, The China Mirage explores a difficult century that defines U.S.-Chinese relations to this day.
About the Author
James Bradley is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Imperial Cruise, Flyboys and Flags of Our Fathers and the son of one of the men who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima. He lives in New York.