Overnight Delivery on 80,000 Books πŸš€

1587, A Year of No Significance

The Ming Dynasty in Decline
4.33 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 1,555 ratings, 174 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
1587, A Year of No Significance by Ray Huang examines a seemingly uneventful year in the Ming Dynasty of China to reveal the underlying complexities and slow-moving changes in Chinese society and governance. The author provides a detailed account of the political figures and economic conditions of the era, demonstrating how these elements contributed to the eventual decline of the dynasty. Through this unique lens, the book offers insights into the intricate forces shaping historical developments.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of 1587, A Year of No Significance. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

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?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by Chinese history and want to explore the seemingly quiet yet pivotal year of 1587. It provides a distinctive look at the Ming Dynasty, highlighting how historical events influence both individuals and broader societal changes through engaging storytelling and detailed analysis.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

1587, A Year of No Significance

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

"If you buy only one work on pre-modern Chinese history this year, make it this one."β€”W. S. Atwell, History

Winner of the American Book Award for History

In 1587, A Year of No Significance, the Year of the Pig, nothing very special happened in China. Yet in the seemingly unspectacular events of this ordinary year, Ray Huang finds exemplified the roots of China's perennial inability to adapt to change.

Through fascinating accounts of the lives of seven prominent officials, he fashions a remarkably vivid portrayal of the court and the ruling class of late imperial China. In revealing the subtle but inexorable forces that brought about the paralysis and final collapse of the Ming dynasty, Huang offers the reader perspective into the problems China has faced through the centuries.

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?

Ray Huang's 1587, A Year of No Significance is praised for its imaginative approach to history, blending rich biographical and institutional detail with readable narrative. Critics highlight its successful portrayal of the tensions and contradictions of late Ming society, offering deep insight into Chinese politics and administration. The book impresses with its scholarly yet engaging exploration of a seemingly insignificant year, drawing comparisons to Kafka's literary style, and such mastery is acknowledged as vital for understanding this period of Chinese history.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300028843

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 September 1982

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 30 b-w illus.

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 363g

Pages: 310

More from History & Military

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.