New biography reveals an untold side of Hong Kong history
December 19, 2007
Dec 20, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ --Hong Kong – Author Jonathan Chamberlain this week announced the publication of 'King Hui: The Man Who Owned All the Opium in Hong Kong', a biography which tells the amazing story of Peter Hui – a Hong Kong man who was a playboy, casino operator, kung fu fighter, collaborator, corrupt police employee, associate of triads, armed robber, political prisoner, and spy.

“This book represents the most significant Hong Kong narrative since the publication of The World of Suzie Wong and Taipan – the difference being that this story is true,” said Chamberlain.

Indeed, as Hong Kong personality David Tang Wing-cheung comments in his foreword: "This is a true story but it reads like a novel. It is a cracking read."

'King Hui' tells the story of Hui’s life in his own words. Hui was well-connected at all levels of society, and he witnessed most of the important events of the 20th century: the Japanese invasion and occupation of Hong Kong, the murder of Lee Hysan, the Communist takeover of Guangzhou, and the Cultural Revolution. Through his eyes we also learn about piracy in southern China, the arrival of the Shanghainese triads, Hong Kong’s role as an R&R base for US servicemen, and political sensitivities towards Taiwan. As a Chinese man’s account of his past, 'King Hui' also serves as a counter-balance to the stories of Chinese women which have emerged in recent years.

“The value of this book lies in its perspective,” said publisher Pete Spurrier. “There are, for example, no other published accounts of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong as seen from the non-combatant Chinese point of view. And the richness of detail is remarkable. It is a warts-and-all portrayal of this city and its people; a ‘stinky tofu’ history of Hong Kong.”

About the Author
Jonathan Chamberlain was brought up in Ireland and Hong Kong. After graduating in Social Anthropology at Sussex University, he returned to Hong Kong where he lived for many years as a teacher and writer. He is now a full time author. His previous works include 'Chinese Gods (An Introduction to Chinese Folk Religion)' and 'Cancer: The Complete Recovery Guide'. In addition to his writing work he has founded two charities: The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association and Mental Handicap Network China Ltd.

Book Details
Title: 'King Hui: The Man Who Owned All the Opium in Hong Kong'
Author: Jonathan Chamberlain, with a foreword by David Tang
ISBN: 978-988-99799-8-0
Format: Paperback, 348 pages
Publication date: December 2007
Cover price: US$17.95 / HK$140
Purchase link: www.blacksmithbooks.com/9789889979980.htm

Further Information
Pete Spurrier at Blacksmith Books: tel. (+852) 2877 7899 – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

END
About the Press Release
King Hui: The Man Who Owned All the Opium in Hong Kong - the true story of a playboy, casino operator, kung fu fighter, collaborator, associate of triads, armed robber, political prisoner and spy


 
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