This book investigates the complex and often contradictory nature of Shanghai during its early 20th-century period of international influence and rapid development. Drawing on a rich collection of primary source materials, including photographs, newspaper clippings, and personal writings, the author aims to reconstruct the city's unique atmosphere of luxury and excitement alongside its notorious underworld. The work presents a vivid, anecdotal account of this bygone era, highlighting the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures that defined old Shanghai.

The book is presented as a unique collection offering a first-hand peek into the vibrant and often illicit world of old Shanghai. The publisher's description emphasizes the rich, cosmopolitan mixture of East and West, juxtaposed with the city's notorious underworld. The use of photographs, newspaper clippings, cartoons, and writings suggests a visually engaging and historically detailed account. This approach aims to bring back to life the far-off days of a city known for its luxury, style, and excitement, as well as its darker elements.