Description

The gripping story of Taiwan, from the flood myths of ancient legend to its ‘Asian Tiger’ economic miracle – and the looming threat of invasion by China.

Once dismissed by the Kangxi Emperor as nothing but a ‘ball of mud’, Taiwan has a modern GDP larger than that of Sweden, in a land area smaller than Indiana. It is the last surviving enclave of the Republic of China, a lost colony of Japan, and claimed by Beijing as a rogue province – merely the latest chapters in its long history as a refuge for pirates, rebels, settlers, and outcasts.

In Rebel Island, Jonathan Clements offers a concise and vivid telling of Taiwan’s complex island story, beginning with the unique conditions of its archaeology before examining its indigenous history and its days as a Dutch and Spanish trading post. He delves into its periods as an independent kingdom, Chinese province, and short-lived republic, and the transformations wrought by 50 years as part of the Japanese Empire.

In 1949, the island became a lifeboat for two million refugees from the Chinese Communist Revolution, and the White Terror began. Later chapters explain the recent conflicts that have emerged after the suspension of four decades of martial law, as the Taiwanese debate issues of self-determination, independence, and home rule – all under the watchful gaze of President Xi Jinping, and politicians around the world.

Rebel Island is an essential guide to Taiwan’s past and present, providing invaluable context at a time of escalating tension over its future.

Publisher Review

'Rich with fascinating details, Jonathan Clements' Rebel Island is an engaging introduction to the complicated and astonishing history of Taiwan.' -- Shawna Yang Ryan, author of Green Island 'Taiwan has become a stresspoint of global geopolitics, and Jonathan Clements has done the world a favour with his indispensable account of its complex history. This illuminating and endlessly fascinating book can't help but change the way we see the Taiwanese people and what they have built.' -- Clive Hamilton, author of Hidden Hand 'Rebel Island narrates the long arc of Taiwan's history in vivid prose and with admirable sensitivity to contemporary views regarding the island's politically charged past. Clements provides an even-handed treatment of controversies old and new, while engaging readers with revealing anecdotes and his trademark wit.' -- Paul D. Barclay, author of Kondo the Barbarian Praise for The Emperor's Feast: 'This is a splendid introduction to the cooking and history of China, filled with surprising details on the origins of many famous dishes.' * The Guardian * Praise for The Emperor's Feast: 'Running through Clements' account is an insistence - smartly and subtly offered, and particularly welcome in our present straits - on the role food plays in binding family and friends together.' * The Telegraph * Praise for The Emperor's Feast: 'Clements marshals his sources in a deft and approachable manner, leavening the complexities of history with folklore, and spicing up his narrative with piquant anecdotes.' -- Fuchsia Dunlop * Spectator * Praise for A Brief History of Japan: 'Perfect for travelers or students ... A wonderfully fun, interesting, and informative introduction to Japanese history. Clements blends culture, politics, military, economics ... all with a wit and humour that carry the narrative forward and make it real.' -- Mark Zachary Taylor, author of The Politics of Innovation Praise for A Short History of Beijing: 'Jonathan Clements evocatively captures the contradictions and complexities of contemporary Beijing while rooting the city in its broader historical context ...' * Times Literary Supplement * Praise for A Short History of Beijing: 'A must-read ... Accessible and concise, this whirlwind history of China's capital city is gripping and amusing.' * Sunday Express * Praise for A Short History of Beijing: 'Clements makes an admirable job of disentangling truth from elaboration, finding historical foundations in much of the folklore ... a commendable introduction to Beijing.' * Japan Times * Praise for Japan at War in the Pacific: 'This is a fascinating historical tour of one of the world's great cities, exploring Tokyo's long past with an eye to its present form and its bustling contemporary population. Clements digs deep into place names, and into the wider context of Japan's long history, to offer an account that visitors to Tokyo - whether first-timers or old regulars - will no doubt find invaluable in helping them to make sense of a city that can sometimes feel overwhelming in its size and vibrant complexity.' -- Chris Harding, author of Japan Story Praise for Wu: 'Clements' skilful narrative leaves it to the reader to decide whether Wu was a tyrant or a dutiful stateswoman ... illuminating and enjoyable.' * Publishers Weekly * Praise for Wu: 'Clements tells the story of Wu with a light but informed touch.' * Literary Review * Praise for Wu: 'Astonishing.' * The Lady *