Product Description

Dirk Straun, a pirate, smuggler, and ruthless individual, finds glory beyond his dreams as the Tai-Pan, or supreme leader, of Hong Kong. Reissue.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24483 in Books
• Published on: 1986-09-01
• Released on: 1986-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 736 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780440184621
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
'Intensely readable and exciting' -- Sunday Telegraph 'James Clavell is a teller of stories. They are complicated and exciting, and you are desperate to know what will happen to his characters because they are like the people you know from your own life and experience, set in strange and sometimes terrible circumstances' -- John Simpson 'Packed with action ... gaudy and flamboyant with blood and sin, treachery and conspiracy, sex and murder ... grand entertainment' -- New York Times

Review
“Unforgettable!”—Chicago Tribune

“A fabulous epic of the Far East that will disturb and excite you…a thrilling and enticing tale of adventure and human relationships…dramatic episodes, exotic vignettes and heady descriptive passages.” –Baltimore Sun

“Clavell is, as always, a matchless tale-spinner.”—Cosmopolitan

“Every five or six years there appears on the horizon a book so vast in scope, so peopled with bold, colorful characters, it eclipses other efforts…. Such a book is Tai-Pan.”—Pittsburgh Press

“Grand entertainment...packed with action...gaudy and flanboyant with blood and sin, treachery and conspiracy, sex and murder...fresh and vigorous.” —New York Times

About the Author
James Clavell, who died in 1994, was a screenwriter, director, producer, and novelist born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Although he wrote the screenplays for a number of acclaimed films, including The Fly (1958), The Great Escape (1963), and To Sir With Love (1967), he is best known for his epic novels in his Asian Saga.

Customer Reviews

This Book Worth a Look
Unlike many of the previous reviewers, I have no particular connection to Asia or an extensive knowledge of Chinese history, rather I am merely a fan of exciting stories and great writing and if the novel is full of interesting facts, then all the better. Tai-Pan fits the bill.

It is an engaging story about the European community in China just after the British have taken control of Hong Kong. It centers on Dirk Struan, a manipulative, shrewd, and charismatic man who happens to be the most powerful trader in Asia. There is intrigue, violence, romance and tragedy, but this all adds flavor to the epic story of how the British controlled their first stronghold in Asia. Clavell does an amazing job of creating realistic characters and incorporaring facts about the time period and his knowledege of the culture. Despite being a fictional account of this era, I learned a great deal about China, British trade and sailing in the 1800's.

I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys historical fiction or just great writing and good stories. Further, this book is at least as good as Shogun and is a critical component of the Asia Saga, so it is a must read for people who enjoy Clavell's other books.

A fabulous, unforgettable, larger than life Epic!
I just finished reading Tai-Pan for the second time. The first time I read it was nine years ago. At that time I was sure it was one of the best epics ever written. Now with nine more years of wisdom I am convinced. Clavell writes a fascinating tale of ruthless men and women in 19th century Asia. The dialogue is at times witty and the ending is the best I have ever read. I am now faced with the grim task of trying to find another book to read that comes close to the grandeur of this novel.

Wonderfully captures the founding of Hong Kong
This thoroughly enjoyable historical novel captures the atmosphere of China and Hong Kong in the mid 1800's. Dirk Struan, hero of this adventures, is a strongly written character who you can't help admiring and cheering on. I loved the way Clavell weaved together a compelling story with such descriptive details and historical facts that advance our understanding of characters and events. Because of this book, I read Jonathan Spence's history "God's Chinese Son", which I also recommend. I can't recommend the novel strongly enough for fans of historical fiction