It is the early 19th century, when European traders and adventurers first begin to penetrate the forbidding Chinese mainland. And it is in this exciting time and exotic place that a giant of an Englishman, Dirk Struan, sets out to turn the desolate island of Hong Kong into an impregnable fortress of British power – and to make himself supreme ruler: Tai-Pan!

Number-one New York Times best-selling author James Clavell’s works have become beloved modern classics. This critically acclaimed historical novel is another fine example of a master at work.