This book investigates how international forces and global perceptions have shaped Shanghai's identity from its emergence as a treaty port to its status as a modern global metropolis. Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom, a specialist in modern Chinese history, utilizes a fragmented chronological approach to analyze the city's evolution. By examining specific snapshots in time, the author argues that Shanghai's history is best understood through the interplay of local development and external international influence. The work provides a framework for viewing the city not as a static entity, but as a dynamic site of constant transformation.

Scholars and students of Chinese history frequently cite this work for its accessible yet rigorous approach to urban historiography. Experts highlight the book's unique structure as a successful method for navigating the complex layers of Shanghai's historical development.