Introduction chemical warfare -- Methods and measures -- Lord Elgin's revenge -- Disastrous etiquette -- Zero intolerance -- Canton besieged -- The black hole of Canton -- The battle in Britain -- Drugs and guns -- Diplomacy by gunboat -- The economics of addiction -- Crucifixion and cages -- Steamed victory -- A price on his head -- The sacking of Amoy, Ningpo and Charles Elliot -- Chinese masada -- "Early Victorian vikings" -- The trade in poison and pigs -- Strange interlude -- Outrageous slings and the arrows misfortune -- Peer pressure -- Scottish conquistador -- Hostilities renewed -- Lord Elgin's return -- To the gates of Peking -- A hostage crisis -- "I am not a thief" -- Rescue and retaliation -- The diktat of Peking.