In the 17th century, the Age of Exploration, rival powers are driven by the lure of trade and cross the seas in pursuit of wealth. Amid this struggle for maritime dominance rose Lee Tan, a man known for his ever-present smile. Defying the Ming dynasty’s sea bans, he built an armed fleet and gathered formidable figures such as Yen Ssu-ch’i and Cheng Chih-lung, becoming a powerful maritime leader navigating between Eastern and Western forces. Europeans hailed him as “Captain China.” His ambition: to create a free-trade haven for sea merchants, beyond the control of any authority.
At the edge of the world, a small island—Taiwan, known at the time as “Formosa”—came into view. The saying, “Whoever controls Formosa controls the world,” began to spread. In 1624, Lee Tan, Yen Ssu-ch’i, Cheng Chih-lung, the Japanese adventurer Hamada Yahyōe, Dr. Sonck of the Dutch East India Company, Captain Elie Ripon, and others converged on Taiwan. Cooperation and conflict, ambition and dreams collided, propelling the island into a new chapter and setting the stage for Taiwan’s turbulent history.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a manga fan, or simply seeking a fresh perspective on Taiwan’s past, this acclaimed and riveting book offers a journey filled with adventure, artistry, and inspiration.