R. L. Crossland - A reader called me the other day

Trams running down Shanghai's Nanking Road, circa 1920.

Shanghai, near Nanking Road, note Sikh policeman in center of picture.

UPCOMING NEWSLETTER

Buster Keaton in "The Navigator" woefully searches the horizon for a couple identifiable landmarks to fix his ship's position. Without question, he's also keeping a keen eye out for a willing foe and sea room.

"A Japanese Print" cover of October 10, 1925, Judge, a humor magazine. Artist's signature unknown.

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

1. Yi's bad luck might have been the precursor of which Asian War?

2. Though coal-burning steam warships presented many advantages, name at least two distinct disadvantages in comparison to fighting sail they presented in protecting their countries' sea lanes.

3. Why did Clementine and her sisters once wear all white?

4. What's a "fast crab?"

5. What sea battle at the beginning of the 20th Century capped the Asian aspirations of two empires, and fanned the aspiration of a third?

6. Technical advantages in what material used to produce guns and hulls spelled the obsolescence of most of the Royal Navy's fleet, then the world's largest, and allowed several upstart countries (such as the US) to begin to catch up the end of the 19th Century.

7. How did the secret Taft-Katsura Agreement put the United States in an awkward position?

8. What currency did members of the United States Navy use ashore in China? Where did it come from?

9. When Koreans chanted 'Mansei," what were they saying literally? Why?

10. What was purpose of the USN's African Squadron?

No, aspiring mentioners cannot submit their answers and claim "Mentioned in Newsletters" status. The questions are for book club discussions only.

A reader called me the other day

A local osprey building her nest.

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Selected Works

An historical novel set in 1913 Shanghai, where four cultures are about to collide. China, Korea, Japan, and the US. The point of collision is three tons of Japanese gold ingots meant to undermine an already collapsing China.

The Abalone Ukulele: A Tale of Far Eastern Intrigue

Three ordinary men; three ordinary women; and the naval crews of three tired, coal-burning steamships; join forces to aid an oppressed Korea and a Shanghai in dire straits…during the US Naval Renaissance.

THE JADE ROOSTER: An Asiatic Fleet Thriller

Two Americans, a naval petty officer and a shipping agent, are drawn inot the undercurrents of early 20th Century Yokahama, Inchon, Manilla, and Shanghai, as they investigate four grisly beheadings and a missing sailing ship.

espionage; war & military; mystery action & adventure

RED ICE: A Cold War Thriller

Beyond Glasnost is the bitter reality of the Gulag. The life expectancy of a special prisoner is about six months.

The notorious and indefatigable CAPT Schuyler proudly displays his copy of The Abalone Ukulele.

He is assisted by CAPT Larchmont who holds a 500ml bottle of Admiral Dewey's favorite, Cyrus Noble bourbon whiskey.

A fine image indeed, topped off by the national ensign in the background.

Captain Larchmont immersed in The Abalone Ukulele. Send us copies of photos of you enjoying one of our books!

During the rare moments when Captain Larchmont could put The Abalone Ukulele down, he had a prepared example of marlinspike seamanship upon which to place it.