Empress Dowager Cixi : The Concubine Who Launched Modern China [first edition]
Description
From the beloved, internationally bestselling author of Wild Swans, and co-author of the bestselling Mao: The Unknown Story, the dramatic, epic biography of the unusual woman who ruled China for 50 years, from concubine to Empress, overturning centuries of traditions and formalities to bring China into the modern world. A woman, an Empress of immense wealth who was largely a prisoner within the compound walls of her palaces, a mother, a ruthless enemy, and a brilliant strategist: Chang makes a compelling case that Cixi was one of the most formidable and enlightened rulers of any nation. Cixi led an intense and singular life. Chosen at the age of 12 to be a concubine by the Emperor Xianfeng, she gave birth to his only male heir who at four was designated Emperor when his father died in 1861. In a brilliant move, the young woman enlisted the help of the Emperor's widow and the two women orchestrated a coup that ousted the regents and made Cixi sole Regent. Untrained and untaught, the two studied history and politics together, ruling the huge nation from behind a curtain. When her boy died, Cixi designated a young nephew as Emperor, continuing her reign till her death in 1908. Chang gives us a complex, riveting portrait of Cixi through a reign as long as that of her fellow Empress, Victoria, whom she longed to meet: her ruthlessness in fighting off rivals; her curiosity to learn; her reliance on Westerners who she placed in key positions; and her sensitivity and desire to preserve the distinctiveness of China's past while overturning traditions (she, as Chang reveals--not Mao, as he claimed--banned footbinding) and exposing its culture to western ideas and technology.
Price history chart & currency exchange rate
Customers also viewed

$17.60
ZANZEA 2023 Autumn Wide Leg Trousers Outfits Women Sexy Jumpsuits Long Lantern Sleeve Hollow Out Deep V Wrap Top Belted Playsuit
aliexpress.com
$97.35
Экшн-фигурка Takara Tomy Transformer G Series Wfc-E12 Astrotrain, модель игрушки 22 см, Оригинальная фигурка из ПВХ, игрушка в подарок
aliexpress.ru
$1.67
Body Psoriasis Cream Perfect For Dermatitis and Eczema Pruritus Psoriasis Ointment Herbal Creams RUBIQEY R028
aliexpress.com
$13.95
Акция! Декоративные искусственные грозди винограда 12 дюймов, имитация винограда, реалистичное украшение для Свадебного Вина, кухни
aliexpress.ru
$0.52
rgb square pixel led waterproof ip68 digital modules for channel letters name badges 1000pcs/lot wholesale
dhgate.com![[Kelly66] футболка с толстым котом; Кофе металлический знак олова плакат домашний Декор Бар настенная живопись 20*30 см Размеры y-1564
[Kelly66] футболка с толстым котом; Кофе металлический знак олова плакат домашний Декор Бар настенная живопись 20*30 см Размеры y-1564](http://ae04.alicdn.com/kf/HTB12u2SB5OYBuNjSsD4q6zSkFXap.jpg)
$4.49
[Kelly66] футболка с толстым котом; Кофе металлический знак олова плакат домашний Декор Бар настенная живопись 20*30 см Размеры y-1564
aliexpress.ru
$8.25
1PCS 9cm x 4 cm Cute Animal Bathroom Home Tube Rolling Holder Toothpaste Squeezer Easy Cartoon Toothpaste Dispenser
aliexpress.com
$8.57
Алмазная искусственная 5d мозаика, полностью квадратная, круглая, сверло, Алмаз Стразы, алмазная вышивка, картины
aliexpress.ru
$108.43
women sandals summer heels woven cloth peep toes buckle strap party shoes woman black sandalia ym-166
dhgate.com
$16.63
envelopes bags with self adhesive waterproof and tear-proof postal (white) lined poly foam bubble mailers gift wrap
dhgate.com
$21.51
Чтения в Обществе истории и древностей российских при Московском университете 1882. Книга 4
sima-land.ru
$28.46
Полное собрание законов Российской Империи. Собрание Второе. Том XXXVIII. Отделение 1
sima-land.ru
$15.35
Книга The Odyssey of Homer: According to the Text of Wolf (Ancient Greek Edition). Homer
sima-land.ru
$12.58
underpants the high-quality goods shorts trendy sports 3-3 men's fitness loose large thin quick dry running leisure beach 5-5 pants, Black;white
dhgate.com
$29.63
6.2"Original For MEIZU X8 LCD Display Touch Screen Digitizer Assembly For Meizu X8 Display with Frame Replacement 8 X LCD Screen
aliexpress.com