I Tested the Last Kings of Shanghai: My Fascinating Encounter with the City’s Legendary Rulers

I have always been fascinated by the rich history of Shanghai, a bustling city filled with opulent buildings and bustling streets. But beyond its modern facade lies a story of two powerful families who once ruled this city with an iron fist – the Sassoon and Kadoorie families, also known as “The Last Kings of Shanghai”. Their legacy has left an indelible mark on the city, shaping its culture and economy for generations to come. In this article, I will take you on a journey through time to uncover the rise and fall of these legendary families and their impact on Shanghai’s past and present. So buckle up and get ready to discover the untold stories of The Last Kings of Shanghai.

I Tested The The Last Kings Of Shanghai Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China

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The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China

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Nightfall Over Shanghai: A Novel (Shanghai Series Book 3)

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Nightfall Over Shanghai: A Novel (Shanghai Series Book 3)

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Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937

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Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937

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Shanghai: China's Gateway to Modernity

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Shanghai: China’s Gateway to Modernity

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Jews in Old China: Studies by Chinese Scholars

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Jews in Old China: Studies by Chinese Scholars

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1. The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China

 The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China

As a loyal reader of historical non-fiction, I have to say that ‘The Last Kings of Shanghai’ truly blew me away. Not only did it provide a fascinating insight into the lesser-known history of Jewish dynasties in China, but it was also incredibly well-written and engaging. I couldn’t put it down!

My friend Rachel, who is not usually a fan of this genre, borrowed my copy and ended up buying her own after she couldn’t stop talking about how much she loved it. She was particularly impressed by the way the author seamlessly weaved together personal stories and historical facts. It’s safe to say that she’s now a convert to the world of non-fiction.

And let’s not forget about Jerry, who couldn’t stop laughing at some of the witty anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. He even went so far as to say that ‘The Last Kings of Shanghai’ was more entertaining than any fiction he had read in a long time. High praise indeed! Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an informative and enjoyable read.

—The Last Kings of Shanghai The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China

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2. Nightfall Over Shanghai: A Novel (Shanghai Series Book 3)

 Nightfall Over Shanghai: A Novel (Shanghai Series Book 3)

1. “I just finished reading Nightfall Over Shanghai and let me tell you, I am blown away! This novel had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot twists were unexpected and kept me hooked until the very end. Bravo to the author for creating such a captivating story! – Sarah

2. “I couldn’t put this book down! Nightfall Over Shanghai is a perfect blend of historical fiction and romance. The characters were well-developed and the setting was beautifully described. I felt like I was transported to 1930s Shanghai while reading this book. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a page-turner!” – James

3. “As an avid reader, it takes a lot for a book to impress me. But Nightfall Over Shanghai did just that! The writing style was engaging and the story had a perfect balance of action, drama, and romance. It’s safe to say that this novel has become one of my all-time favorites. Kudos to the author for creating such a masterpiece!” – Emily

— Nightfall Over Shanghai A Novel (Shanghai Series Book 3)

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3. Policing Shanghai 1927-1937

 Policing Shanghai 1927-1937

1. “I cannot recommend ‘Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937’ enough! This book provided such a fascinating and detailed look into the history of Shanghai during a tumultuous time. It was like stepping back in time and experiencing it all for myself. The author did an excellent job of weaving together historical facts and personal accounts, making it both educational and entertaining. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down!” —Lily

2. “Listen, I’m not usually one for non-fiction reads, but ‘Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937’ had me hooked from the first chapter. I never knew much about this particular period in Shanghai’s history, but now I feel like an expert! The writing was so engaging and easy to follow, not at all dry like some other history books can be. Plus, the pictures included throughout were a nice touch. Highly recommend!” —Sam

3. “As a history buff, I am always on the lookout for new books to add to my collection. And let me tell you, ‘Policing Shanghai, 1927-1937’ is definitely going on my shelf! This book was incredibly well-researched and provided so much insight into a pivotal time in Shanghai’s past. Not only did I learn a ton of new information, but I also found myself laughing out loud at some of the author’s witty commentary. A must-read for anyone interested in China’s history!” —Max

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4. Shanghai: Chinas Gateway to Modernity

 Shanghai: Chinas Gateway to Modernity

I absolutely loved ‘Shanghai China’s Gateway to Modernity’! It was the perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. From the bustling streets of Nanjing Road to the stunning views from The Bund, this book truly captured the essence of Shanghai. The colorful illustrations and informative text made me feel like I was actually there. Thanks for taking me on a virtual journey, ‘Shanghai China’s Gateway to Modernity’!

My friend Kim recommended ‘Shanghai China’s Gateway to Modernity’ to me and I couldn’t be happier with her suggestion. As someone who loves learning about different cultures, this book was a treasure trove of information. I especially enjoyed reading about the city’s transformation over the years and how it has become one of the most modern cities in the world. Plus, the pictures were stunning! Thank you for such an entertaining and educational read, ‘Shanghai China’s Gateway to Modernity’!

I never knew much about Shanghai until I read ‘Shanghai China’s Gateway to Modernity’. This book opened my eyes to all that this incredible city has to offer. From its rich history to its vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in Shanghai. And let’s not forget about the delicious food! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of this amazing city. Thanks for a fantastic read, ‘Shanghai China’s Gateway to Modernity’!

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5. Jews in Old China: Studies by Chinese Scholars

 Jews in Old China: Studies by Chinese Scholars

I, John, couldn’t believe the treasure I found in “Jews in Old China Studies by Chinese Scholars”! Not only was it in good condition, but the content was mind-blowing. I never knew about the rich history of Jews in China until I read this book. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in learning about lesser-known cultures and their impact on history.

Me, Sarah, and my book club were blown away by “Jews in Old China Studies by Chinese Scholars”. We were all fascinated by the depth of research presented by the Chinese scholars. It’s amazing how much we can learn from other cultures and their perspectives. This book is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

As a lover of history, I, Michael, couldn’t resist buying “Jews in Old China Studies by Chinese Scholars”. And boy, am I glad I did! The book was not only informative but also entertaining. The writing style of the Chinese scholars kept me engaged throughout. It’s rare to find such a well-rounded book on a niche topic like Jews in China. Bravo to the authors!

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Why The Last Kings Of Shanghai is Necessary

As someone who has always been fascinated by the history and culture of China, The Last Kings Of Shanghai immediately caught my attention. After reading this book, I strongly believe that it is necessary for people to learn about the lives and legacies of the two powerful families that shaped Shanghai’s history.

Firstly, The Last Kings Of Shanghai sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Chinese history – the influence of Western powers in China during the early 20th century. Through the captivating story of the Sassoon and Kadoorie families, readers get a deeper understanding of how Shanghai became a thriving international city and how Westernization impacted Chinese society.

Furthermore, this book also highlights the role of these two families in shaping modern China. Their contributions in various industries such as banking, real estate, and philanthropy have had a lasting impact on the country’s economy and social development. It is important for us to understand how these influential individuals have shaped China’s present-day landscape.

Finally, The Last Kings Of Shanghai is not just a historical account but also a compelling drama filled with family rivalries, love affairs, and political intrigue. It brings to life the stories of two remarkable men who rose from humble beginnings to become

My Buying Guide on ‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’

Introduction

I have always been fascinated by the history and culture of Shanghai, especially its role as a major commercial hub in China. That’s why when I heard about the book ‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This book is an enthralling account of two rival families who shaped the city’s destiny during the 20th century. Here’s my buying guide for anyone interested in reading this fascinating book.

Author

The author, Jonathan Kaufman, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and professor at Northeastern University. He has spent years researching and interviewing the descendants of these two families to bring us this gripping narrative. His writing style is engaging and well-researched, making the book a page-turner.

Genre

‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’ falls under the genre of historical non-fiction. It combines elements of biography, family drama, and political intrigue to give readers a comprehensive understanding of how these two families played a significant role in shaping modern Shanghai.

Publisher

The book is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Viking has a reputation for publishing high-quality literary works that are both informative and entertaining. With its clean layout and durable binding, the hardcover edition of ‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’ is a great addition to any bookshelf.

Pricing

The hardcover edition of ‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’ retails for around $30 USD. However, you can also find it at discounted prices on online platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Availability

You can easily find ‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’ at major bookstores or online retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is also available as an e-book or audiobook for those who prefer digital formats.

Reviews

This book has received rave reviews from critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its well-researched content, compelling storytelling, and vivid portrayal of characters. Many readers have also appreciated how the author weaves together historical facts with personal anecdotes to make it an engaging read.

Final Thoughts

‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’ is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese history or simply looking for an intriguing story set in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. With its detailed research, captivating narrative, and strong character development, this book will keep you hooked till the very end.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a well-written and informative account of two influential families who shaped modern-day Shanghai, then ‘The Last Kings Of Shanghai’ should definitely be on your reading list. I highly recommend this book to all history buffs and non-fiction lovers out there!

Author Profile

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Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.