History Professor Platt’s Book Featured on “Jeopardy”

Jeopardy slide reading: “‘Imperial Twilight’ by Stephen Platt takes a look at the relations between Britain and this nation during the opium wars.”

A book by Stephen Platt, professor of history, was featured on “Jeopardy” on Wednesday, July 24.

The $1600 answer, “‘Imperial Twilight’ by Stephen Platt takes a look at the relations between Britain and this nation during the opium wars,” appeared in the category “History Books.” The correct question, “What is China,” was accurately provided by one of the contestants.

“Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age” was a “New York Times Book Review” editors’ choice and was shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize. The “Sunday Times” and “Financial Times” both listed it as one of the best history books of 2018.

Platt teaches courses on modern Chinese history from the 17th century to the present day, as well as seminars on US-China relations, comparative nationalism, and the writing of history.