Opium and the Limits of Empire : Drug Prohibition in the Chinese Interior, 1729-1850, (Harvard East Asian Monographs)

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Summary: Dr. Bello the Opium Emperor
Review: I was lucky enough to go to a seminar where Dr. Bello was discusing the opium problems in China before he went on sabatical to write this book. He is one of the most well versed non-asian individuals that teaches Chinese history in the WORLD. He has lived there and can speek and write the language fluently. Though Dr. Bello knows all Chinese History, his strength lies within this time period (i.e. he knows his $h!t) When considering to buy this book, do not judge it by its topic alone, understand that you will be introduced to the real magnitude of this man's genius. It is his mental constuct that allows him to shape his conclusions in an unique and enjoyable style that makes reading fun. His theories can be appled to not only this topic, but modern day drug issues as well. If you are a fan of Chinese history, early problems with drug regulations, or even modern drug regulation issues, you should definatly buy this BOOK! if not for this than the sheer exposure to this man's genius alone is worth the read. This book WILL BE an instant classic and standard to Chinese historians everywhere.