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Tai-Pan [Mass Market Paperback]

James Clavell
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (149 customer reviews)

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Book Description

September 1, 1986

It is the early 19th century, when European traders and adventurers first began to penetrate the forbidding Chinese mainland. And it is in this exciting time and exotic place that a giant of an Englishman, Dirk Straun, sets out to turn the desolate island of Hong Kong into an impregnable fortress of British power, and to make himself supreme ruler…Tai-Pan!




From the Trade Paperback edition.

Frequently Bought Together

Tai-Pan + Shogun (The Asian Saga Chronology) + Gai-Jin
Price for all three: $33.12

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Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 736 pages
  • Publisher: Dell (September 1, 1986)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0440184622
  • ISBN-13: 978-0440184621
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 4.2 x 6.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (149 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More 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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
58 of 63 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all-time favorites! June 6, 2005
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The first time I read Tai Pan was in college 30 years ago. I picked it up reluctantly, despite a strong recommendation from a friend, because it was about China and Hong Kong about which I had little interest. But I read it nonetheless and was absolutely transfixed. I've just finished reading it again at age 54 and can heartily still recommend this book.

This is the story of the founding of Hong Kong as told through the fictional characters of Dirk Struan, his son Cullum, their arch-enemy Tyler Brock and many others. Dirk Struan is the Tai Pan (supreme leader) of the Noble House, the largest and strongest of the China traders. Tyler Brock is his sworn enemy since Struan first served aboard an English man-of-war and experienced the lash from Brock's hands as a "powder monkey" at Trafalgar aboard the 110-gunship Royal Soverign.

Clavell uses Struan as the embodiment of the best virtues of the English system with her rule of law and the Chinese system. Brock, while not without redeeming qualities, reflects some of the worst features of the English system. Struan is receptive to the virtues of the Chinese culture while remaining a patriotic Englishman.

Struan has acquired many of the habits of the Chinese including bathing 2-3 times a day (as opposed to the rest of the English who believe that bathing renders one susceptible to the "flux") wearing light cloths and boots, and many others. He takes a Chinese concubine, May-May, and has children by her. His eldest half caste son, Gordon Chen, from a previous concubine plays a major role as well.

Struan is no saint, particularly when viewed from the perspective of the 21st century, or for that matter even when viewed from the perspective of his own time. But he is one of the most intriguing fictional characters you're likely ever to come across. This book was first published in 1966 so the idiocy of PC had not yet reared its ugly head. And this book pays little heed to the silly PC concerns of our time and is correspondingly refreshing.

If you like your characters strong, raw, unadulterated, and realistic and love a great story line this book will not disappoint. My only misgiving about the book was that it had to end at 732 small-print pages. The good news is that the book Noble House, though it takes place 120 years later does continue the saga of the Noble House and provide the follow-up on the characters that you come to know and love in Tai-Pan.
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33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous, unforgettable, larger than life Epic! October 23, 1999
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully captures the founding of Hong Kong March 8, 1997
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
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
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Like "Shogun" I could not put it down!
Although I kept looking for references to "Shogun", I was not disappointed by the story, historic detail or ending - particularly the ending. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Lyza Sandgren
5.0 out of 5 stars just re-read my favorite book
Do yourself a favor and read it if you haven't. Just plan to kiss several hours goodbye as you get immersed in this amazing story!
Published 8 days ago by G. Korotzer
5.0 out of 5 stars Tai-Pan
This is a book that I had read many years ago and loved it. I decided it was time to reread it - I still enjoyed it.
Published 1 month ago by Mary
5.0 out of 5 stars EPIC
Old school novel, hence it is an actual tome. Easily could've been broken into a multibook series, but thats not how they did it back then lol. This is a typical J. Read more
Published 1 month ago by MD
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Fiction
My son loved the books. Arrived in excellent condition, very promptly. I would highly recommend this seller. The book series was great for young adolescent male.
Published 1 month ago by Rebekah C. Austin
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down
In the same vain as Shogun. This novel captivates your attention as you see the coming together of two cultures both Europe and China as they battle for the right to control the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Raoul Montgomery
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Just started reading this one but it is a great story. This was originally a gift in paperback but I wanted it on my Kindle.
Published 1 month ago by D. Bouwkamp
5.0 out of 5 stars A great story!
The history of Hong-Kong unfolds before your eyes, followed through the personal history of its founder. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Liza Rubinski
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
One of the best books bar none. Every page jumps to life and you feel yourself completely immersed in the story and the times.
Published 2 months ago by Randall Sehn
5.0 out of 5 stars Page burner in Hong Kong
Great historical fiction book. Very descriptive and intriguing plot. Also have to love a book whose dialogue that switches from Scottish brogue to Cantonese to English
Published 2 months ago by Charles B Honeycutt
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