Best Hong Kong History Books of 2026

The Last Kings of Shanghai by Jonathan Kaufman is a captivating tale of two Jewish dynasties, the Sassoons and the Kadoories, who played a significant role in shaping modern China. Kaufman's extensive research and writing skills bring to life the stories of these ambitious families who profited from the Opium Wars, survived Japanese occupation, and courted Chiang Kai-shek, among other notable events. The book provides a rare glimpse into the deep inequality and political turmoil that marked China's modern history. Overall, The Last Kings of Shanghai is a well-written, informative, and engaging read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of China's past.

Red Roulette: An Insider's Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today's China is a gripping memoir of Desmond Shum's rise to the top levels of power and wealth in China, along with his wife Whitney Duan. However, their fates diverged irrevocably when Whitney disappeared along with three coworkers. This explosive memoir provides insight into how the Chinese government keeps business in line and what happens when businesspeople overstep. It is a powerful and disturbing read, offering a unique perspective on the most secretive of global powers.

The Hong Kong Diaries is a compelling account of how Hong Kong was run as a British colony and what happened as the handover approached. Chris Patten's diaries over the next five years describe in detail his day-to-day battles with the Chinese, British businessmen and civil service mandarins upset by his efforts. Patten's chatty style makes this book an easy read, and it reads like a novel at times. The book gives unprecedented insights into negotiating with the Chinese and how Patten sought to ensure that a strong degree of self-government would continue after 1997. This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in Chinese history and politics.

"Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China" by Ezra Vogel is a well-researched biography of one of the most influential political leaders of the 20th century. Deng Xiaoping's pragmatic and disciplined approach helped to transform China's economy and lift millions out of poverty. However, his authoritarian roots led to the infamous Tiananmen Square crackdown. Vogel expertly disentangles the contradictions in Deng's life and legacy, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary East Asian history and culture. Overall, this book offers a fascinating insight into Deng's life and the complexities of modern China."

Among the Braves by Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin is a narrative history of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, highlighting the struggles and hopes of the activists who fought for democracy and their own identity. The book tells the story of four activists who played key roles in Hong Kong's evolution from peaceful marches to a more violent explosion of anger demonstrated on the streets in 2019. The authors also shed light on the global youth movement that is willing to risk everything to fight economic, racial, and social inequities, inaction against climate change, and the rise of authoritarianism. Among the Braves is a powerful and timely book that provides an insightful analysis of Hong Kong's past and the outlook for future generations.

The Book of Five Rings: Complete Version + A Growth Path for the Man of Today is a practical treatise on the art of the sword by Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest Japanese swordsman of all time. But it is more than just that. It is a path of knowledge and wisdom, developed by a warrior who was totally immersed in life, both in war and in peace. This book is for those who wish to clearly understand the trove of wisdom hidden in this text and learn the secrets of Miyamoto Musashi. It offers a key to understanding how to heal the eternal conflict between body and soul and live life fully. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese history and the art of the sword.

The Great Book of Asian American Heroes is an inspiring collection of stories about 18 Asian American men and women who have made significant contributions to American history. The book focuses on the struggles these heroes had to overcome, making it a unique and poignant read. From the first Asian American elected to the US Congress to the creation of Scooby-Doo, this book is filled with fascinating facts that will educate and entertain readers of all ages. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the impact of Asian Americans on American history.

Falling Leaves is a poignant memoir by Adeline Yen Mah, which chronicles her journey from a childhood of emotional abuse in China to becoming a physician and writer in the United States. Despite her affluent background, Adeline faced cruelty at the hands of her manipulative stepmother. Her story is a testament to the human will to endure and the basic need for acceptance, love, and understanding. The book is a compelling and authentic portrait of twentieth-century China, making it a must-read for those interested in Asian and Asian American biographies.

Unsettling Exiles offers a fresh perspective on the identity formation of Hong Kong and its uneasy place in the Sinophone world. Angelina Y. Chin foregrounds the experiences of refugees, deportees, “undesirable” residents, and members of sea communities who passed through Hong Kong without settling down or finding a sense of belonging. Through wide-ranging research, Chin argues that Hong Kong identity emerged from the collective trauma of exile and dislocation. This book sheds new light on Hong Kong’s ambivalent relationship to the mainland, its role in the global Cold War, and the origins of today’s political currents.

Last Boat Out of Shanghai is a poignant and eye-opening account of the mass exodus of Shanghai's citizens after the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. Through the stories of four young people, author Helen Zia paints a vivid picture of the struggles and heartbreaks faced by those who fled their homes in search of a better life. The book is a true page-turner that highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Overall, Last Boat Out of Shanghai is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese history and the experiences of immigrants.