Title
Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China,New
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A New York Times Notable BookEmpress Dowager Cixi (18351908) is the most important woman in Chinese history. She ruled China for decades and brought a medieval empire into the modern age.At the age of sixteen, in a nationwide selection for royal consorts, Cixi was chosen as one of the emperors numerous concubines. When he died in 1861, their fiveyearold son succeeded to the throne. Cixi at once launched a palace coup against the regents appointed by her husband and made herself the real ruler of Chinabehind the throne, literally, with a silk screen separating her from her officials who were all male.In this groundbreaking biography, Jung Chang vividly describes how Cixi fought against monumental obstacles to change China. Under her the ancient country attained virtually all the attributes of a modern state: industries, railways, electricity, the telegraph and an army and navy with uptodate weaponry. It was she who abolished gruesome punishments like death by a thousand cuts and put an end to footbinding. She inaugurated womens liberation and embarked on the path to introduce parliamentary elections to China. Chang comprehensively overturns the conventional view of Cixi as a diehard conservative and cruel despot.Cixi reigned during extraordinary times and had to deal with a host of major national crises: the Taiping and Boxer rebellions, wars with France and Japanand an invasion by eight allied powers including Britain, Germany, Russia and the United States. Jung Chang not only records the Empress Dowagers conduct of domestic and foreign affairs, but also takes the reader into the depths of her splendid Summer Palace and the harem of Beijings Forbidden City, where she lived surrounded by eunuchsone of whom she fell in love, with tragic consequences. The world Chang describes here, in fascinating detail, seems almost unbelievable in its extraordinary mixture of the very old and the very new.Based on newly available, mostly Chinese, historical documents such as court records, official and private correspondence, diaries and eyewitness accounts, this biography will revolutionize historical thinking about a crucial period in Chinasand the worldshistory. Packed with drama, fast paced and gripping, it is both a panoramic depiction of the birth of modern China and an intimate portrait of a woman: as the concubine to a monarch, as the absolute ruler of a third of the worlds population, and as a unique stateswoman.
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- Q: What is the page count of 'Empress Dowager Cixi'? A: The book has four hundred sixty-four pages. This extensive page count provides a detailed exploration of Cixi's life and historical context.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is a hardcover edition. The durable binding helps protect the pages and makes it suitable for frequent use.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Empress Dowager Cixi'? A: The author is Jung Chang. She is known for her insightful biographies and historical narratives.
- Q: What historical period does this book cover? A: The book covers the late Qing dynasty in China. It focuses on the life and reign of Empress Dowager Cixi from eighteen thirty-five to nineteen oh-eight.
- Q: How should I read this biography? A: You can read this biography for both personal enjoyment and educational purposes. It is suitable for anyone interested in Chinese history or women's studies.
- Q: Is 'Empress Dowager Cixi' appropriate for all ages? A: This book is generally suitable for adults and older teens. It discusses complex historical themes and may not be suitable for younger readers.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To keep it in good condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can I clean the cover of this book? A: Yes, you can wipe the cover with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to protect the book's finish.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most retailers have a customer service policy for such issues.
- Q: How does this biography compare to others about Cixi? A: This biography offers a comprehensive and updated perspective. It utilizes newly available historical documents to provide fresh insights into Cixi's life.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic study. The author supports her narrative with extensive research and references to historical documents.
- Q: What themes are explored in this biography? A: Key themes include women's empowerment, modernization in China, and political intrigue. The book delves into Cixi's impact on Chinese history.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or photographs? A: No, this biography does not include illustrations or photographs. It focuses on textual storytelling and historical analysis.
- Q: Is there a bibliography or sources section? A: Yes, the book includes a bibliography. This section lists the historical documents and sources used for research.
- Q: What makes this biography stand out? A: This biography stands out due to its fresh perspective and thorough research. Jung Chang challenges conventional views of Cixi as merely a conservative ruler.