As the pages of history turn, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable milestone—the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, this annual celebration of literature brought together thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals for a weekend brimming with literary magic.
Attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond, the festival was a testament to the enduring appeal of literature and the community it fosters. Each event, each conversation, and each shared moment contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrated the diverse voices and stories that shape our world.
This year, Citi of Books was thrilled to be part of this vibrant gathering, where the love for literature was palpable in the air. Whether you were a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer exploring the world of books, the festival provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for the written word.
As we look back on this unforgettable weekend, we invite you to join us in reliving the highlights of Citi of Books’ gallery during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—a true celebration of the literary arts! A book included in the gallery was “Merchants of Deceit: Opium, American Fortune & the China Trade” by Richard J. Friswell.
Author and cultural historian, Richard J. Friswell, is a Visiting Scholar at Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. He writes extensively on topics related to important historical figures and their essential place in American history.
“Merchants of Deceit: Opium, American Fortune & the China Trade” brings to life the bustling port city of Canton and the intrigues of the China Trade, weaving together a tapestry of ambition, love, betrayal, and tragedy. The memory might fade over the years or be clouded by time, but the collection of horrifying incidents from the past unsettlingly caught up with the author.
Samuel Russell emerges as a protagonist, motivated by ambition and a desire to make a name—and fortune—for himself in the exotic and enigmatic world of nineteenth-century China. He soon discovers the true key to wealth and success is in the opium trade. As he navigates the perilous seas of international commerce and diplomacy, Russell encounters a cast of vividly sketched individuals, ranging from friends and allies to foes and opponents, each with their own objectives and agendas, and secretive settings of the Chinese emperor’s imperial palaces, and into the gritty streets and busy waterways of ancient Canton and the exotic Pearl River.
In this meticulously researched work of historical fiction, the author skillfully detailed history of West’s Thirteen Factories and the bustling waterfront of Canton, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant era in early industrial age global expansion. What sets “Merchants of Deceit: Opium, American Fortune & the China Trade” apart is its attention to historical detail and authenticity. Drawing on the author’s striking, colorful journals and records of his long-ago world travels, he paints a vivid portrait of the past.
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