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Empress Dowager Cixi
The Concubine Who Launched Modern China
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Empress Dowager Cixi
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Discover the extraordinary story of the woman who brought China into the modern age, from the bestselling author of Wild Swans
In this groundbreaking biography, Jung Chang vividly describes how Empress Dowager Cixi โ the most important woman in Chinese history โ brought a medieval empire into the modern age.
From the bestselling author of Wild Swans and Mao- The Unknown Story, the extraordinary story of the woman who single-handedly dragged China into the modern age
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
From the bestselling author of Wild Swans and Mao: The Unknown Story, Jung Chang delivers an extraordinary account of the woman who single-handedly propelled China into the modern age.
Discover the captivating life story of Empress Dowager Cixi, the concubine who rose from relative obscurity to become the most influential woman in Chinese history. In her groundbreaking biography, Empress Dowager Cixi, Jung Chang masterfully illustrates Cixiโs pivotal role in transforming China's ancient empire into a burgeoning modern state. Through vivid storytelling, readers are transported to the grandeur of the Summer Palace and the intricate corridors of the Forbidden City, revealing the opulence and complexity of Cixi's world. Amongst the eunuchs and courtiers, one discovers Cixi's unique position and the intense personal sacrifices she endured.
Under Cixiโs reign, China saw the abolition of horrific practices such as 'death by a thousand cuts' and the end of foot-binding. Contrary to longstanding depictions of her as a backward and tyrannical figure, Chang presents Cixi as a proactive reformer, whose policies laid the foundation for modern China's many attributes. By navigating through the political and cultural upheavals of her time with adeptness and foresight, Cixi emerges as not only a powerful monarch but also a tragic figure captivated by personal love and loss.
This biography is a tour de force, blending drama and historical scholarship to deliver both a panoramic depiction of the birth of modern China and an intimate portrait of an exceptional woman. As you delve into the pages of Empress Dowager Cixi, experience the remarkable journey from her days as a concubine to becoming the de facto ruler of one-third of the world's population. This portrayal brings to light her nuanced role as a stateswoman who navigated a landscape of intense political turmoil and social change.
Acclaimed by critics, Empress Dowager Cixi is hailed as 'powerful' by Simon Sebag Montefiore, 'truly authoritative' by the New York Times, and 'wonderful' by the Sunday Times. A remarkable read, it was even shortlisted for the prestigious James Tait Black Biography Prize.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Empress Dowager Cixi is praised for its vivid storytelling and detailed research, reappraising a significant historical figure with new revelations from untapped Chinese sources. Reviews highlight the book's readability, its ability to challenge Cixi's conventional image, and its rich, dramatic narrative, making it an essential read for understanding modern China's history.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099532392
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 July 2014
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 33.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 463g
Pages: 528
About the Author
Jung Chang is the best-selling author of Wild Swans (1991, which the Asian Wall Street Journal called the most read book about China), and Mao- The Unknown Story (2005, with Jon Halliday), which was described by Time Magazine as 'an atom bomb of a book'. Her books have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold more than 15 million copies outside mainland China where they are both banned.. She was born in China in 1952, and came to Britain in 1978. She lives in London.
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