Drawing on newly available sources, Jung Chang comprehensively overturns Cixi’s reputation as a conservative despot. Cixi’s extraordinary reign saw the birth of modern China. Under her, the ancient country attained industries, railways, electricity, and a military with up-to-date weaponry. She abolished foot-binding, inaugurated women’s liberation, and embarked on a path to introduce voting rights. Packed with drama, this groundbreaking biography powerfully reforms our view of a crucial period in China’s—and the world’s—history.
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In 1852, at age sixteen, Cixi was chosen as one of Emperor Xianfeng’s numerous concubines. When he died in 1861, their five-year-old son succeeded to the throne. Cixi at once launched a coup against her son’s regents and placed herself as the true source of power—governing through a silk screen that separated her from her male officials.
Drawing on newly available sources, Jung Chang comprehensively overturns Cixi’s reputation as a conservative despot. Cixi’s extraordinary reign saw the birth of modern China. Under her, the ancient country attained industries, railways, electricity, and a military with up-to-date weaponry. She abolished foot-binding, inaugurated women’s liberation, and embarked on a path to introduce voting rights. Packed with drama, this groundbreaking biography powerfully reforms our view of a crucial period in China’s—and the world’s—history.
| ISBN | 9780307456700 |
|---|---|
| Length (cm) | 16.0000 |
| Width (cm) | 4.0000 |
| Height (cm) | 24.0000 |
| Publisher | Anchor |
| Publication Date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Pages (number) | 464 |
| Genre | History, Politics, and Social Sciences |
| Author | Jung Chang |
| Signed | No |
| Format | Paperback |
| Editorial Reviews | "In an entertaining biography, the empress finally has her day." - Kirkus Reviews "When an author as thorough, gifted, and immersed in Chinese culture as Chang writes, both scholars and general readers take notice." - Booklist Online
"Memoirist Chang (Wild Swans) melds her deep knowledge of Chinese history with deft storytelling to unravel the empress dowager's behind-the-throne efforts to "Make China Strong" by developing international trade, building railroads and utilities, expanding education, and constructing a modern military." - Publishers Weekly |