The 'Fan Kwae' at Canton Before Treaty Days 1825-1844

"The 'Fan Kwae' at Canton Before Treaty Days 1825-1844" by William C. Hunter is a historical narrative that explores the world of foreign merchants living in Canton, China, between 1825 and 1844, before treaties changed everything. It paints a picture of what life was like for these traders, showing how they mixed with Chinese society during a time when different cultures were clashing and global trade was just starting to take off. Looking at the Canton River, busy with ships and people from all over, it gives us a front-row seat to the lives of foreigners living in China. Focusing on traders aboard the ship 'Citizen,' the story shows us the tangled relationships between foreigners and the Chinese, all while navigating strict rules and big cultural gaps.