Empress Dowager Cixi

Unearth the captivating biography of Empress Dowager Cixi, the pivotal figure who transformed China into a modern state. Written by acclaimed author Jung Chang, this groundbreaking book provides an in-depth exploration of Cixi's life and legacy, challenging the traditional view of her as merely a conservative leader. Instead, Chang reveals her as a revolutionary stateswoman who abolished barbaric practices like foot-binding and the infamous death penalty of 'death by a thousand cuts.' This B-format paperback, published by Random House UK in 2014, spans 528 pages filled with drama and historical insight. Step into Cixi's world through vivid descriptions of her opulent Summer Palace and the mysterious Forbidden City, where power, love, and tragedy intertwine. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the extraordinary stories of influential women, this biography paints a portrait of resilience and leadership that resonates today. It’s a perfect addition for those wanting to delve into the rich history of China and the remarkable women who shaped it. Shortlisted for the James Tait Black Biography Prize, this edition is a must-have for both avid readers and collectors. Enjoy FREE shipping on your purchase and discover the remarkable journey of Cixi, a woman whose impact on history is undeniable.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780099532392
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2014
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE UK
Pages: 528


Description:
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 - the most important woman in Chinese history - brought a medieval empire into the modern age. Under her, the ancient country attained virtually all the attributes of a modern state and it was she who abolished gruesome punishments like 'death by a thousand cuts' and put an end to foot-binding. Jung Chang comprehensively overturns the conventional view of Cixi as a diehard conservative and cruel despot and also takes the reader into the depths of her splendid Summer Palace and the harem of Beijing's Forbidden City, where she lived surrounded by eunuchs - with one of whom she fell in love, with tragic consequences. 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 world's population, and as a unique stateswoman. 'Powerful' Simon Sebag Montefiore 'Truly authoritative' New York Times 'Wonderful' Sunday Times **Shortlisted for the James Tait Black Biography Prize**

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