TAIL SHIPS TO CATHAY

by Helen Augur ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 25, 1950

A family and trade biography, for this is the story of the Low family in the days of the clipper ships and the expansion of Yankee enterprise in China. Harriet was the first American girl ever to set foot in Macao and Canton in the 1820's when she was visiting her uncle William; her brother Abbot became the American foster-son of old Houqua, who taught him adroitness in dealing with the Chinese in the affairs of Russell and Co.; her brother Charles overcame family business plans to become the master of his own ships; the ships, captained by Nat Palmer, on their brilliant runs, made substantial contributions to the growth of the Low fortunes. Through Abbot's able handling of company affairs, the worthwhile marriages, the luck in trading ventures, the fortunate outcome of their reputation in China, the salvaging of disaster into greater success, the business and the family were speeded on their way. A biography which is flattering, at times fluttering, and which captures the effervescence of a large tribe scattered from Brooklyn and Salem, to Europe and the East, this is of genealogical as well as period and industry interest.

Pub Date: Jan. 25, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION