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The China Mirage

The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia

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The China Mirage

By: James Bradley
Narrated by: Pete Larkin
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About this listen

 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. 19th Century 20th Century Americas Asia China Modern Politics & Government United States Imperial Japan Military Franklin D Roosevelt War Imperialism Russia Vietnam War
All stars
Most relevant
Examining and explaining the roots of U.S. ignorance of Asia and the resulting countless, and seemingly inexplicable, foreign policy blunders and misjudged (and criminal) military misadventures. Brings so many loose historical threads together in thoroughly entertaining and original narrative. It's jam packed with detail spanning American foreign policy through the 19th and 20th century. A read that will bring me back a few times I suspect. Thanks

Investigative history at its best

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Enjoyed listening to this book. Gave me fresh and interesting insights into a large segment of Asian and American history I was vaguely aware off. Was too young when I was living through it.

Informative and well told

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