Paul French Libros

New York Times bestselling author Paul French (Midnight in Peking) returns to the Chinese capital to tell 18 true stories of fascinating people - many Americans among them - who visited the city in the first half of the 20th century. From the ultra-wealthy Woolworths heiress Barbara Hutton and her husband the Prince Mdivani, to the poor "American girl" Mona Monteith, who worked in the city as a prostitute; from socialite Wallis Simpson and novelist JP Marquand, who held court on the rooftop of the Grand H�tel de P�kin, to Hollywood screenwriter Harry Hervey, who sought inspiration walking atop the Tartar Wall; from Edgar and Helen Foster Snow - Peking's 'It' couple of 1935 - to Martha Sawyers, who did so much to aid China against Japan in World War II; Destination Peking brings a lost pre-communist era back to life.

Focusing on the experiences of Jewish refugees during wartime, the narrative explores their journey from Shanghai to Macao, a Portuguese colony known as "the Casablanca of the Orient." Drawing from true stories and new research, Paul French highlights the challenges and hopes faced by these individuals as they sought a path to freedom amidst the turmoil of war.

Set in pre-communist Beijing's notorious Badlands, the narrative explores the lives of eight diverse characters from the 1920s and 1930s. Paul French vividly depicts a world filled with contrasting figures, including brothel madams, exploitative pimps, and young prostitutes grappling with addiction. Among them is Tatiana Korovina, a resilient cabaret dancer who defies the district's vices, and Joe Knauf, an American entangled in crime. The enigmatic Shura Giraldi, a master criminal, adds intrigue as the self-proclaimed King of the Badlands, highlighting the area's complex social tapestry.

Winner of the both the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime and the CWA Non-Fiction Dagger from the author of City of DevilsChronicling an incredible unsolved murder, Midnight in Peking captures the aftermath of the brutal killing of a British schoolgirl in January 1937. The mutilated body of Pamela Werner was found at the base of the Fox Tower, which, according to local superstition, is home to the maliciously seductive fox spirits. As British detective Dennis and Chinese detective Han investigate, the mystery only deepens and, in a city on the verge of invasion, rumor and superstition run rampant. Based on seven years of research by historian and China expert Paul French, this true-crime thriller presents readers with a rare and unique portrait of the last days of colonial Peking.

North Korea continues to make headlines, arousing curiosity and fear in equal measure. The world's most secretive nuclear power, it still has Gulag-style prison camps, allows no access to the Internet and bans its people from talking to foreigners without official approval. In this remarkable and eye-opening book, internationally best-selling author Paul French examines in forensic detail the history and politics of North Korea, Pyongyang's complex relations with South Korea, Japan, China and America, and the implications of Kim Jong-un's increasingly belligerent leadership following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. As an already unstable North Korea grows ever more unpredictable, antagonizing enemies and allies alike, North Korea: State of Paranoia delivers a provocative and frightening account of a potentially explosive nuclear tripwire.

A spellbinding and dramatic account of Shanghai's lawless 1930s and two of its most notorious criminals, by the author of the prize winning Midnight in Peking

This all-new work chronicles the experiences of Paul French who, upon leaving the British Army's 21 SAS (V), sought adventure and excitement in C Squadron of the Rhodesian SAS. Upon passing the arduous Rhodesian SAS selection course, Paul was thrown into the maelstrom that was the Rhodesian Bush War.

North Korea is a country that continues to make headlines—arousing curiosity and fear in equal measure. The world’s most secretive nuclear power, it is a nation that still has Gulag-style prison camps, no internet, and bans its people from talking to foreigners without official approval. In this remarkable and eye-opening book, bestselling author Paul French takes the reader inside the world’s most secretive country. He examines the history and politics of North Korea, Pyongyang’s complex relations with South Korea, Japan, and America. As China begins to tire of its unruly ally, what are the implications of Kim Jong-un’s increasingly belligerent leadership following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il? As an already unstable North Korea grows ever more unpredictable, antagonizing enemies and allies alike, North Korea: State of Paranoia, delivers a provocative and frightening account of a potentially explosive nuclear tripwire.

Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous summer in 1937, the narrative unfolds the harrowing events of a devastating bombing in Shanghai. Through vivid eyewitness accounts, the author captures the chaos and destruction that unfolded as the city faced an unprecedented aerial assault. The precise moment the clock stopped at 4:27 p.m. marks the beginning of a tragedy that would claim countless lives. With masterful storytelling, the book delves into the profound loss experienced by real individuals, offering an intimate glimpse into Shanghai's history during this dark chapter.

Exploring the rich tapestry of Macao's history, this collection features 18 true stories of remarkable individuals who visited the former Portuguese enclave during the 19th and 20th centuries. It highlights Macao's role as a cultural melting pot, showcasing diverse influences from art to cinema. The narratives delve into the lives of those drawn to the region for wealth, adventure, or sanctuary from conflict, revealing the multifaceted allure of Macao beyond its notorious reputation.