Gorth Brock

Tai-Pan

1982 paperback edition
Author	James Clavell
Country	United Kingdom, United States
Language	English
Series	Asian Saga
Genre	Historical fiction, Novel
Publisher	Atheneum
Publication date	1966
Media type	Print (hardback and paperback)
Pages	727 pp
Preceded by	Shōgun
Followed by	Gai-Jin

Tai-Pan is a 1966 novel written by James Clavell about European and American traders who move into Hong Kong in 1842 following the end of the First Opium War. It is the second book in Clavell's "Asian Saga".

The novel begins following the British victory of the first Opium War and the seizure of Hong Kong. Although the island is largely uninhabited and the terrain unfriendly, it has a large natural harbour that both the British government and various trading companies believe will be useful for the import of merchandise to be traded on mainland China, a highly lucrative market.

Although the novel features many characters, it is Dirk Struan and Tyler Brock, former shipmates and the owners of two massive (fictional) trading companies who are the main focal points of the story. Their rocky and often abusive relationship as seamen initiated an intense amount of competitive tension. Throughout the novel, both men seek to destroy each other in matters of business and personal affairs. Struan is referred to throughout the novel as Tai-Pan, indicating his position as head of Struan & Company, the greatest private trading company in nineteenth-century Asia. Clavell translates Tai-Pan as "Supreme Leader". Although, "Big Shot" might be more accurate.

In 1805, at the age of seven, Dirk Struan began his nautical adventures as a powder monkey on a King's ship at the battle of Trafalgar, and he remains bound to the sea for life. By the end of this year, he found service on the East India Company merchant ship "Vagrant Star" to China. Under the command of Tyler Brock, third mate and future nemesis, Dirk Struan was whipped mercilessly. Dirk Struan vowed to someday destroy Brock.