Join us for a fascinating evening as author Eric Jay Dolin discusses his exciting new book: When America First Met China. Mr. Dolin’s book recounts the opening of the America-China trade, a dramatic rendezvous between two nations on diametrically opposed paths of destiny. The lecture will be held on Thursday, September 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
| On July 22, 1784, the “Empress of China” became the first American ship to sail from the newly independent United States to China. Soon, thousands of American vessels followed. In this program, Eric Dolin will recount the rich and fascinating history of America’s engagement with China in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries….a tale of adventure on the high seas featuring colorful subjects such as pirates, opium smugglers and slave traders, as well as fascinating characters such as John Jacob Astor and the Chinese emperor, Qianlong. |
“With a flair for dramatic and fast-paced storytelling, Dolin provides the reader with insights into everything from pirates, to the world-changing impact of the silk trade, the British-Chinese Opium War of the 1840s, and the fearlessness (and naïveté) of the early missionaries.” (Booklist, September, 2012)
Although the old China Trade ended more than a century ago, it has never stopped informing Chinese-American relations. The author will trace our relationship with China back to its roots, and provide insight into an international partnership that remains uneasy and perilous, even today.
| Mr. Dolin is a graduate of Brown, Yale, and MIT, where he received his Ph.D. in environmental policy. He is the best-selling author of ten books, including the award-winning Fur, Fortune, and Empire and also Leviathan, The History of Whaling in America, which was chosen by both the Los Angeles Times and the Boston Globe as “Book of the Year” in 2007. When American First Met China has been described as “his best book yet!” and was recently named one of the top ten non-fiction books for fall by Kirkus Reviews. |
Space is limited. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Come early to get a great seat! Please note that this program is intended for adults, and would not interest children.