The Opium War cover art

The Opium War

Preview
Free with 30-day trial
A 30-day trial plus your first audiobook free.
1 credit/month after trial—to buy any title you like, yours to keep.
Listen all you want to a selection of thousands of Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.

The Opium War

By: Brian Inglis
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
Free with 30-day trial

Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $24.99

Buy Now for $24.99

About this listen

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
Asia China Military Imperialism War British Empire
All stars
Most relevant  
I really wanted to know about but because it's sad content and repetive recollection of similar or identical acts of bad faith it became a boring listen and it shouldn't have. A little disappointed.

Excellent Research but not an excellent listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I first heard of the Opium Wars from a Chinese friend who assured me that it still rankles and colours their attitude to the West to this day.
Very enlightening and well narrated.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

This book presents a good insight into the underlying causes of the opium war and the motivations of the principle British protagonists.

A great little work on the opium war.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Worthwhile and insightful. Bizarre part of history. Far more in-depth than Wikipedia, so if you enjoy history in detail, particularly Victorian history, than this is worth it. Nigel Patterson's narration drew me to thus book based on his previous efforts, and he didn't disappoint again.

Worthwhile listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

The Opium War(s) is such a fascinating topic and no doubt the depth of research and detail in this book exemplary. Sadly though, historical accuracy does not lead to an easy or enjoyable storyline… glad i finished all nine hours and took in a lot in on the way, just wish it had been written in a more interesting manner.

Too much information… not enough story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.