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Nobody's Child #2
Foreign Mud
Giles Jackson, the orphan alone in the world, continues his autobiography as viewed from his old age and a selective memory. This second instalment details and comments upon his experience in the opium trade between India and Canton - his highly profitable dealings in Foreign Mud and his involvement with the Triads, country merchants and John Company. He explains how he came to leave China and then was forced into the service of His Britannic Majesty’s government in Gibraltar and Morocco. He also casts light onto the circumstances leading to his long and generally happy marriage.
It may be noted that British firms were engaged in the opium trade from India into China until 1939, though publicising their activities less as time went by. Opium - and all its derivatives - was unlawful in China from 1780 but did not become a prohibited and controlled substance in the UK until the early 1950s. (Of interest to the historian is that heroin abuse in the UK only increased after the substance was made unlawful. It is estimated that only 300 addicts were known in Britain in 1953.)
It may be noted that British firms were engaged in the opium trade from India into China until 1939, though publicising their activities less as time went by. Opium - and all its derivatives - was unlawful in China from 1780 but did not become a prohibited and controlled substance in the UK until the early 1950s. (Of interest to the historian is that heroin abuse in the UK only increased after the substance was made unlawful. It is estimated that only 300 addicts were known in Britain in 1953.)
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
122 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 14, 2020
Great story, only improved by the tongue in cheek asides
This, apparently second book in the series, is grounded in the context of historical events. However, that restriction has in no way inhibited the recounting of the story. The principal character is utterly believable. His side comments and observations are believable in the context of an elderly raconteur providing autobiographical information. My curiosity now forces me to go back and read the introductory book since reading the sequel out of order.
This, apparently second book in the series, is grounded in the context of historical events. However, that restriction has in no way inhibited the recounting of the story. The principal character is utterly believable. His side comments and observations are believable in the context of an elderly raconteur providing autobiographical information. My curiosity now forces me to go back and read the introductory book since reading the sequel out of order.
September 28, 2020
Impressive
I was born in Casablanca, and was particularly amazed at the exactitude of the Moroccan part of the tale, having attempted trade there in a very small way. But that is nothing to the great amusement I enjoy in any writings from this house, the perspicacious and witty disregard for those who would rule us, especially those of inherited wealth. More, please and quickly!
I was born in Casablanca, and was particularly amazed at the exactitude of the Moroccan part of the tale, having attempted trade there in a very small way. But that is nothing to the great amusement I enjoy in any writings from this house, the perspicacious and witty disregard for those who would rule us, especially those of inherited wealth. More, please and quickly!
December 5, 2022
The second of the Giles Jackson stories...
The widely traveled Giles returns to England, then on to America as a service to Mr. Ainslie. His adventures continue in North Africa. It is an interesting, fast moving story and provides insight into late 18th and early 19th century English society and that economy.
The widely traveled Giles returns to England, then on to America as a service to Mr. Ainslie. His adventures continue in North Africa. It is an interesting, fast moving story and provides insight into late 18th and early 19th century English society and that economy.
September 8, 2020
Wareham is masterful story teller.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A good story, but with a couple of incidents that weren't quite believable. The editing, however, was certainly not of the quality I have come to expect in Mr. Ware Ham's books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A good story, but with a couple of incidents that weren't quite believable. The editing, however, was certainly not of the quality I have come to expect in Mr. Ware Ham's books.
October 2, 2020
I enjoy Andrew Wareham’s books immensely. He is a very prolific author. This novel shows a slightly different view of English trade in the early 19th century The plot follows a fascinating Story line. The characters are most believable. A fairly well conceived and written novel.
October 7, 2020
A really romping read from Canton to Bombay, to Morocco
The second installment in the series is highly readable, a great yarn and paints vivid pictures of late 18th Century China, India and England.
Easy to read, great characters and good adventure.
The second installment in the series is highly readable, a great yarn and paints vivid pictures of late 18th Century China, India and England.
Easy to read, great characters and good adventure.
February 25, 2021
Pleasantly surprised
Totally new approach to otherwise well worn story line. Glib and smart with just the right amount of factual info to make the reader think they aren't wasting their time. I always appreciate that
Totally new approach to otherwise well worn story line. Glib and smart with just the right amount of factual info to make the reader think they aren't wasting their time. I always appreciate that
March 29, 2021
As always, very entertaining
Mr. Wareham's books never fail to entertain. While not great literature his protagonists are always personable and adventurous. This series is slightly reminiscent of the Flashman series but still a good read.
Mr. Wareham's books never fail to entertain. While not great literature his protagonists are always personable and adventurous. This series is slightly reminiscent of the Flashman series but still a good read.
December 12, 2022
Another Andrew Wareham great character
What pleaser to read for pure enjoyment and be able to rationalize the time spent as educational. Another very interesting character. More please I’m 82!
What pleaser to read for pure enjoyment and be able to rationalize the time spent as educational. Another very interesting character. More please I’m 82!
November 3, 2020
This is another good book.
You need to get the other book out. I cannot wait for the third book. Put your coffee down and start writing.
You need to get the other book out. I cannot wait for the third book. Put your coffee down and start writing.
November 8, 2020
A strange, but intriguing novel
It was written in a style that was different from most. It provides great detail and information on the customs of several nations, quite elegantly.
It was written in a style that was different from most. It provides great detail and information on the customs of several nations, quite elegantly.
March 21, 2021
Fun read
Well written with a fun story line. I enjoyed reading this tale late into the night much to the chagrin of my wife.
Well written with a fun story line. I enjoyed reading this tale late into the night much to the chagrin of my wife.
July 13, 2021
Swashbuckling to Gentleman
I can never fire of marvelling at A.W. marvellous easy going manner, that keeps you totally immersed. Fantastic read always.
I can never fire of marvelling at A.W. marvellous easy going manner, that keeps you totally immersed. Fantastic read always.
March 28, 2022
very good story line
I liked the set of books, a decent storyline in each of the books, when will the next book be published
I liked the set of books, a decent storyline in each of the books, when will the next book be published
March 6, 2024
4.5 stars
March 4, 2025
Historical fiction of the best sort
The two books in the series so far read like the very best imaginative fiction. Kudos to a master writer!
The two books in the series so far read like the very best imaginative fiction. Kudos to a master writer!
March 9, 2025
Nobody's Child
A great sea fairing and historical commerce story cut short, hopefully there will be at least a book 3 to follow.
A great sea fairing and historical commerce story cut short, hopefully there will be at least a book 3 to follow.
April 8, 2025
Giles wheels and deals until China protests vigorously or even violently. Time to move on.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews