Peter Frankopan

A tale of two addictions

Stephen R. Platt describes how the sale of vast quantities of opium to the Chinese became a vital source of revenue for Britain in the 19th century

  • Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China’s Last Golden Age

    Stephen R. Platt

    Atlantic Books, pp. 560

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Giles Udy

Anti-colonialism and the distortion of history

In 2020, the National Trust released its ‘interim report’ on the connections between its properties and colonialism and slavery. It quickly became obvious that the report had not been commissioned in the spirit of free historical inquiry, but as a way to tarnish the National Trust and Britain’s history. The report found that 93 properties

Because you read about book review

Also by Peter Frankopan

Latest

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in