A Cruise in an Opium Clipper
Gelesen von David Wales
Lindsay Anderson
(4,328 Sterne; 61 Bewertungen)
Eamont was an opium clipper built in Cowes. It was the subject of an 1891 book, A cruise in an opium clipper, by Captain Lindsay Anderson. Eamont was involved in the opening of Japan to foreigners in 1858, serving as a dispatch boat between Nagasaki and Shanghai, and was one of the first vessels to open up a trade with Formosa…. The Eamont was sent on some very dangerous trips. She was one of the first vessels to open up a trade with Formosa, and made the first survey of the port of Taku, which she entered by bumping over the reef in spite of a tremendous surf beating upon it at the time, a most daring performance. And in her efforts to trade with the Formosans she had to withstand the attack of hundreds of armed natives right on top of a typhoon, which she succeeded in riding out on her moorings. But the captain of the Eamont was a famous fighting man, as the Chinese pirates knew to their cost…. The Eamont was also employed in the negotiations for the first commercial treaty with Japan. (See Wikipedia article on Eamont (schooner)) - Summary by Wikipedia and david wales (5 hr 6 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
An Introduction To BrItian's role in exploiting the Far East in the lucrative o…
Tee Tee
(3 Sterne)
This text, along with "Confessions of An Opium Eater" (Delancy) serve as interesting and thought provoking texts about people's desire for mind altering drugs. There was a medicinal use as well, opium being a critical option for 19th century physicians to treat all varieties of pain, "nervous conditions", insomnia, mental illness, "womans' problems"(childbirth pain, menstrual cramps, depression, "hysteria"), and was routinely used in the prostitution trade, as a chemical restraint to keep abducted girls quiet and cooperative in the brothels. The book is also a thinly veiled expose' of British imperialism and racism, and it's Divine Right" to exploit any non- Christian "savages" typically by force, as is described in the British crew's defeat of the tribal people with superior weaponry (pistols, cannons, et. all.
Bravo from Borneo
Lord Jim
(4,5 Sterne)
A delightful sea-faring tale and extremely well read. This book provides a unique insight into the practical challenges of trading in South East Asia along remote coastlines at the time and made even more interesting by centering on the opium trade. There is great detail in how a clipper is sailed and the perils created by storms, trading rivalry and dealing with local politics and leadership. Really enjoyed the insight provided.
A Cruise in an Opium Clipper
Sybylla DeMontagna
(4 Sterne)
Beautifully read, a marvellous sea-faring adventure, much derring-do, amazing from 21st century perspective that the UK dealt drugs, nationally, as a state - worst pushers ever! All the same, a lot to be learned about life then, if you listen.
Tom O'Malley
(5 Sterne)
Another well read book by David Wales, an excellent story with danger and adventure all round. Piques the imagination!
Nancy above the Columbia
(5 Sterne)
Excellent book and reading. Dreadful stuff they were trading; it casts an interesting light on some of today's economic endeavors.
Brilliant
Echolalia
(5 Sterne)
A wonderful, very interesting tale, well narrated. Highly recommended if you like real-life early travelogue
sharon Ralphson
(5 Sterne)
A fantastic nautical tale. very well read and kept my attentions through out.
A Cruise in an Opium Clipper
David R.Smith
(5 Sterne)
Great read. A good listen too, thanks!