Author

Publication

2013 - Penguin Random House

Language

English

Word Count

116,000 words, Guess

Page Count

464 pages

Identifiers

and 1 more

Classifications

  • LCCDS763.63.T96
  • LCCDS764.23.C59 C49 2013

Description

In 1852, at age sixteen, Cixi was chosen as one of Emperor Xianfeng’s numerous concubines. When he died in 1861, their five-year-old son succeeded to the throne. Cixi at once launched a coup against her son’s regents and placed herself as the true source of power—governing through a silk screen that separated her from her male officials. Drawing on newly available sources, Jung Chang comprehensively overturns Cixi’s reputation as a conservative despot. Cixi’s extraordinary reign saw the birth of modern China. Under her, the ancient country attained industries, railways, electricity, and a military with up-to-date weaponry. She abolished foot-binding, inaugurated women’s liberation, and embarked on a path to introduce voting rights. Packed with drama, this groundbreaking biography powerfully reforms our view of a crucial period in China’s—and the world’s—history.

Subjects

Other Editions

  • Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern ChinaPenguin Random House2013-01-01
Show 2 more editions

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