The Lion and the Dragon

A compelling history of Britain's complicated and compromised relationship with China between the start of the Opium Wars in 1839 and the transfer of power in Hong Kong in 1997

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'Lawrence James is the doyen of Empire historians' The Spectator

'James' writing is always full of energy and animation; he has an excellent eye for revealing detail' William Dalrymple

'James has a genius for detail' A.N. Wilson

Britain and China share a rich, complex history. From the dramatic events of the First Opium War to the modern-day implications of the handover of Hong Kong, The Lion and the Dragon delves into the turbulent relationship between these two global powers.

Charting the rise and fall of the British empire alongside the growth of China's powers, acclaimed historian Lawrence James unravels the intricate threads of British colonialism, China's struggle for sovereignty, and the impact of global events on their complex interplay. He follows the parallel trajectories of four competitive empires - the British, the Chinese, the Russian and the Japanese - during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and then the fortunes of a fifth imperial power, the United States. In doing so, he paints a vivid picture of the interactions, alliances and conflicts between the two nations over almost two centuries, from imperial ambitions and cultural clashes to economic interests and political manoeuvrings.

Deeply researched and compellingly told, The Lion and the Dragon is an exploration of the tumultuous history between two powerful nations, providing crucial insights into a relationship that continues to shape the world today.