Paul French, author of New York Times bestseller Midnight in Peking, is back in town for the Beijing Bookworm presenting City of Devils, which sees him delves into the colorful history of the Gangs of Old Shanghai.

Paul French, James McGregor, Jim Stent, with Melinda Liu. Beijing or Shanghai? Come hear prominent authors — all veteran China hands — debate which city is hot and which is not, and why, as China grabs the spotlight on the global stage. It’s an age-old question, but we face new circumstances – politics, economic policies, tech development, even pollution patterns are changing. And with them the balance between these mega cities. To debate this thorny issue, join Paul French (City of Devils), James McGregor (No Ancient Wisdom, No Followers), and Jim Stent (China’s Banking Transformation), with Newsweek‘s Melinda Liu (moderator). In association with the Royal Asiatic Society Beijing.