A New York Times Notable BookAn NPR Best Book of the Year 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.
#157246 in Books 2015-08-18 2015-08-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.20l; .90 #File Name: 0307387453448 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great book; great research.By beauGreat book; great research.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy CustomerInteresting insights to a man of two nations2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An important man in American historyBy william schafferThis is great story of a true American "hero." It also explains a lot about the time of the French Revolution.
