The Last Kings of Shanghai

Jonathan Kaufman's "The Last Kings of Shanghai" meticulously chronicles the epic, multigenerational sagas of the Sassoons and Kadoories, two rival Jewish dynasties from Baghdad who became instrumental in shaping 20th-century Shanghai and Hong Kong. From the opulent Cathay Hotel built by Victor Sassoon to the plotting of revolution by Mao, the book paints a vibrant picture of China's transformation. For over 175 years, these families dominated Chinese business and politics, navigating the complexities of the Opium Wars, Japanese occupation, and the rise of Communism. While profiting immensely from China's economic boom, Kaufman also reveals their moral compromises alongside their exceptional foresight, generosity, and the remarkable act of rescuing eighteen thousand Jewish refugees during WWII. Their lavish constructions and thriving businesses continue to define these global cities. This compelling narrative offers a crucial lens through which to understand China's past, present, and its implications for modern global power dynamics.