The Saga Continues:
Your Exclusive Preview of Beware the Sleeping Tiger

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your interest in the next chapter of the Opium Trilogy.

As a cultural historian, much of my work begins in the archives—uncovering the personal stories and moral complexities hidden within the geopolitical shifts of the 19th century. While Merchants of Deceit established the foundations of the China Trade, Beware the Sleeping Tiger takes us into even more turbulent waters.

The story picks up in the mid-19th century, a time when the ancient Qing Dynasty began to fracture under the weight of trade pressures and regional conflict. Before the novel officially arrives this Spring, I wanted to share this first look at the opening scenes. This chapter finds our characters in the heart of a battle-torn Canton, caught in the ripple effects of a global trade that changed the world forever.

I hope you enjoy this first step back into the world of the China Trade. I look forward to sharing the full journey with you in April.

Warmly,

Richard J. Friswell Visiting Scholar in Cultural History, Wesleyan University