About this ebook
“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
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!
Praise for Tai-Pan
“Unforgettable.”—Chicago Tribune
“[James] 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.” —The New York Times
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!
Praise for Tai-Pan
“Unforgettable.”—Chicago Tribune
“[James] 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.” —The New York Times
Ratings and reviews
4.5
72 reviews
Erin W
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October 27, 2014
A great book by one of my favorite authors. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it doesn't quite live up to Shogun, but is still a fantastic read. One note, this digital download is FULL of typographical errors in a way I've never seen before. Surprising.
Juan C. Vazquez
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August 15, 2014
DO NOT WATCH the MOVIE!!!!! This one for your bookcase if like just enough history to not be bored, action, lovey-dovey stuff with some humor all in a neat package. Even though "King Rat" was written first, Tai-Pan is the beginning of the saga . worth reading over and over. Again, Do NOT watch the movie, it was a travesty, better yet it was CRAP!!!!!!
Nasr Anaizi
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January 16, 2013
As May_may would say. Years ago, I had enjoyed reading Shogun immensely, so I was somewhat afraid I might be disappointed with Tai Pan but I gambled and it paid off beyond my expectations.
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.
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
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