Empress Dowager Cixi

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 Cixi’s 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 Cixi’s 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.