Subject
Opium trade Books
Best books
Ellen N. (Ellen Newbold) La Motte
The Opium Monopoly
"The Opium Monopoly" by Ellen N. La Motte is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the complex issues surrounding the opium trade, focusing particularly on the role of Great Britain in the opium monopoly and its implications for various countries, including India and China. La Motte's examination is rooted in a mixture of personal experiences and extensive research, aiming to shed light on the moral and economic ramifications of the opium traffic. At the start of the narrative, the author recounts her initial ignorance about the opium trade, transformed by a conversation with a young Hindu on a ship to Japan who passionately criticizes British opium policies in India. This encounter sparks her investigation into the subject, which leads her to discover the British government's integral role in fostering the opium trade within its colonies. She describes visiting opium shops and dens in various parts of the Far East, unveiling a systematic government-supported industry that profits from the addiction and degradation of colonized peoples. The opening portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the global ramifications of the opium monopoly and the ethical dilemmas posed by colonialism and drug addiction.
Samuel Merwin
Drugging a Nation: The Story of China and the Opium Curse
"Drugging a Nation: The Story of China and the Opium Curse" by Samuel Merwin is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book investigates the devastating effects of the opium trade on China, providing a comprehensive examination of the drug's impact on the nation and its people. The narrative is based on Merwin's personal investigation during extensive travels throughout China and interviews with various individuals who have experienced the ramifications of opium firsthand. The opening of the work establishes the critical situation in China regarding opium cultivation and usage, stemming from an edict issued by the Imperial Court in 1906 acknowledging the gravity of the opium crisis. It highlights the staggering statistics presented by officials and observers, indicating a significant portion of the population is addicted to opium. Through vivid accounts, Merwin outlines the widespread social, economic, and moral decay linked to the opium trade, portraying it as a national disaster deeply rooted in China's agricultural practices and societal behavior. The tone reflects a sense of urgency, indicating that the struggle against opium requires substantial reform and commitment from both the Chinese people and their leaders.
Charles Reginald Haines
A Vindication of England's Policy with Regard to the Opium Trade
"A Vindication of England's Policy with Regard to the Opium Trade" by C.R. Haines is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work aims to defend and clarify the British stance on the opium trade between India and China, countering accusations made by various anti-opium advocates. In doing so, it seeks to address and dismantle what the author considers misleading narratives surrounding England's role in the opium trade. The opening of the text presents the author's preface, where Haines expresses his initial opposition to the opium trade influenced by the Anti-Opium Society's views before embarking on a detailed investigation of the topic. He reveals a transformation in his stance after examining both sides of the argument and consulting original sources. The preface sets the stage for Haines' intention to defend England's policy, rebutting allegations that the British were solely responsible for introducing opium to China and asserting that the trade was driven by both mutual demand and historical complexities rather than unilateral coercion.
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