The Fall of the God of Money

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Focusing on the cultural clash surrounding opium, the book examines perspectives from both Chinese users and Euro-Western observers, highlighting the tension between addiction and prohibition. It delves into the portrayal of opium in literature, the evolution of societal attitudes, and the shift from Confucianism to Christianity. The text also addresses early Western views on opium smoking and the interactions among diverse social groups in 19th-century China, offering a nuanced understanding of the opium debate and its historical implications.