Shanghai Dabàn: The Legend of Harry Harkness

Author: Shen Ji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The work follows the life journey of a Jewish man named Ha Tong as its main thread, depicting how this adventurer, who was impoverished and homeless in India, wandered to Shanghai, a newly opened port in China, to seek his fortune. He then built his wealth on the two acres of land owned by his wife, Luo Jialing, becoming a real estate tycoon and a wealthy figure in East Asia. He also built the sea labyrinth, Elysee Gardens, paved Nanjing Road, and even had the tram lines rerouted. He truly reigned supreme for a time. Later, he fell into contradictions and painfully concluded his life. Based on extensive historical materials, the author employs a highly readable literary style to reveal profound themes. The work has a documentary style, making it not only historically rich but also deeply moving. It is of great benefit to popularizing knowledge about modern Chinese history and understanding the past of Shanghai.