The China mirage The hidden history of American disaster in Asia

An account of U.S.-China relations from the mid-nineteenth century through post-World War II reveals facts about America's role in Asia, including the historical influence of prominent Americans who made fortunes in China's opium trade.

From the bestselling author of Flagsof Our Fathers, Flyboys, and The Imperial Cruise, a spellbindinghistory of turbulent US-China relations from the nineteenth century to WorldWar II and Mao's ascent.In each of his books, James Bradley has exposed the hidden truths behindAmerica's engagement in Asia. Now comes his most engrossing work yet. Beginningin the 1850s, Bradley introduces us to the prominent Americans who made theirfortunes in the China opium trade. As they--good Christians all--profitablyaddicted millions, American missionaries arrived, promising salvation for thosewho adopted Western ways.And that was just the beginning.From drug dealer Warren Delano to his grandson FranklinDelano Roosevelt, from the port of Hong Kong to the towers of PrincetonUniversity, from the era of Appomattox to the age of the A-Bomb, The China Mirage explores a difficultcentury that defines US-Chinese relations to this day.