Shanghai's Bund and Beyond

This book offers a detailed examination of China's economic history and foreign banking, focusing on British banknotes' impact before the Sino-Japanese War, especially in Shanghai.

As China rises as a significant global player, Shanghai's Bund and Beyond delves into the intricate relationship between its economic history and the development of its financial institutions. This insightful work serves as the first comparative analysis of foreign banking in prewar China, specifically investigating the influence of British overseas banknotes on the Chinese economy leading up to the Sino-Japanese War in 1937. The book places particular emphasis on Shanghai, a focal point of British banking activity, and evaluates both the positive and negative ramifications of British involvement in the region.

In Shanghai's Bund and Beyond, the author, Niv Horesh, meticulously examines the dynamics between the shifting political environment and the circulation of banknotes. By focusing on two prominent British banks operating in the area, he highlights how their presence shaped economic conditions and affected local markets. The book also uncovers the complexities of foreign banknote circulation, offering fresh perspectives on previously held assumptions about China's prewar financial landscape.

Utilizing recently declassified archival materials, Horesh sheds light on the economic implications of significant historical events, such as the May Thirtieth Movement of 1925. This comprehensive exploration not only enriches our understanding of China's economic past but also provides valuable insights into the broader context of global finance and its historical evolution.