The Dragon Syndicates: The Global Phenomenon on the Triads

Martin Booths "The Dragon Syndicates: The Global Phenomenon of the Triads" is a very comphrensive account of the Triads which starts with study of chinese history, and works its way all the way up to modern day Triad activity. This is a very informative type of read, at times may find it lengthy, but the author provides a very detailed account of the history of the Triads. The numerous accounts of secret societys of many types is fascinating, whether it be merchants banding toghether to protect themselves, or others fighting for patriotic causes, or as more recently criminal groups working to build wealth and wealth alone. I was surprised at how deeply involved these societies were/are involved in chinese politics, culture etc and at the extent to which the Triads have spread globally. I also liked the picture inserts in middle of book, which among other things showed Triad Cermonial ware, Weapons, surveillance pictures. Martin Booth's " The Dragon Syndicates: The Global Phenomenon" is a book worth having, one that you can reread many a time.

This is an excellent book, giving a great insight into Triad culture and its history, and how both are intrinsicly linked to the Chinese mindset. At times it is a little dry, and especially for a Western reader, the names and locations can be introduced so expediently that you have to take a breath and put the names into perspective. However, it is a very solid background read and will have you wanting to read more into the subject matter and the particular persons of historical importance that are discussed.

Despite the cosmetic and cultural differences that separate the varied multitudes of this earth, some basic precepts hold at the core of nearly all modern civilizations: a distribution system of goods and services, a military, a ruling elite. The presence of secret societies can also be considered among these standards: the banding of individuals to provide support and strength against the competitive wiles of foreigners and mutual enemies. The names of these secret societies--Freemasons, Illuminati, Mafia, Yakuza--are enough to inspire envy and respect and fear and hatred and lust among those not included in their exclusive ranks, thus the popularity of fringe-writers and conspiracy theorists. The Chinese Triads are perhaps the least documented and possess the greatest potential threat of all these myriad societies, for while the others concern themselves with the manipulation of economy and politics, the Triads have of late become steeped in all manners of vice, including the supply of that most insidious and destructive of painkillers, herion.The Triads originally began as political resistance to the upstart Manchu Q'ing dynasty, then altered their goals in the 20th century to undermine/suppress the spread of the Communist agenda. In the last fifty years these patriotic intentions have been almost totally corrupted by the drive for monetary gain via extortion, kidnapping, graft, prostitution, gambling, drag trafficking, ect. The influence of the Triads is worldwide and they are now branching out into the lucrative possibilities of the Internet's dark underbelly, including child pornography and technologies fraud. In his book `The Dragon Syndicates', Martin Booth traces the history of the Triads, chronicling with equal import the legends, rituals, ranks and motivations of these particular secret societies. The task of the author-historian is to combine the political, cultural and social aspects of an era and present these tangled elements in a lucid, flowing format; Booth succeeds admirably in this book, especially considering the elusive nature of the subject. I read this as research for a science-fiction book I'm writing, but found it to be an enjoyable, if ultimately disturbing, read. Well worth the time and money.

The "Dragon Syndicates" is well written, compelling reading and detailed without being ponderous. Mr. Booth writes not only about the Chinese Triads and the many crimes that support their membership around the world, but also of the history of these secret societies. From two thousand years ago, the author describes the beginnings of the Triads, the relationship they have had in the history of China as well as the rest of the world. I was amazed to learn of the significance of the Triads in the major political events throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.My practice as a Private Investigator in the upper levels of corporate issues and litigation has brought me into a familiarity of dealings with such issues as organized crime around the world. Many of the matters that corporations are faced with today must be viewed in the light of dealing with these crime syndicates. I have also traveled in Hong Kong and Macau which are locations discussed in many aspects of this history of the Triads. And as such found it especially interesting to relate the places I have visited with their discussion in the book.I very much recommend this book to anyone with an interest in global affairs, global crime or the history of China.

I have been an avid reader of books on true crime for quite a time. However, as far as books on organized crime went, until recently I concentrated on those dealing with the Mafia. I found this book almost by accident and thought for a long while. Certainly, I knew of the Triads, but was their full story worth reading? Eventually, I decided to buy Martin Booth's book. Dear heavens, what a good choice I made! The book proved to be a thrilling and captivating account of an underworld empire of whose actions and dealings we often hear, usually not realizing the existence of the powers behind them. It is truly fascinating - and once you read it, you will see a lot of things and events in today's world differently. Not only that; you will also have to take a different look at world's history, since the book - in a particularly fascinating and captivating part - shows the involvement of the Triads in major historical events, and the way they literally shaped a considerable part of the world. Thrilling and highly recommended, just for everyone, not only for those interested in true crime. And for the latter - a must read.