About the book
From internationally bestselling author of Wild Swans, and co-author of the bestselling Mao: The Unknown Story, this is the dramatic, epic biography of the unusual woman who ruled China for 50 years.
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 a brilliant move, Cixi enlisted the help of the Emperor's widow and orchestrated a coup that ousted the regents and made Cixi sole Regent.
Chang gives us a complex, riveting portrait of Cixi: 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 and exposing its culture to western ideas and technology.
Editions of Empress Dowager Cixi
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780307456700
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780307357557
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780307271600
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780307357540
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307363121
- EBook
- ISBN 9780385350372
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780804149037
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780804149044
Read an Excerpt
From internationally bestselling author of Wild Swans, and co-author of the bestselling Mao: The Unknown Story, this is the dramatic, epic biography of the unusual woman who ruled China for 50 years.
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 a brilliant move, Cixi enlisted the help of the Emperor's widow and orchestrated a coup that ousted the regents and made Cixi sole Regent.
Chang gives us a complex, riveting portrait of Cixi: 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 and exposing its culture to western ideas and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Empress Dowager Cixi about?
From internationally bestselling author of Wild Swans, and co-author of the bestselling Mao: The Unknown Story, this is the dramatic, epic biography of the unusual woman who ruled China for 50 years.
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 a brilliant move, Cixi enlisted the help of the Emperor's widow and orchestrated a coup that ousted the regents and made Cixi sole Regent.
Chang gives us a complex, riveting portrait of Cixi: 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 and exposing its culture to western ideas and technology.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Empress Dowager Cixi?
History and Archaeology > History > Asian history
Where can I read a sample of Empress Dowager Cixi?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780307456700
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Empress Dowager Cixi?
Jung Chang
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Empress Dowager Cixi is available as paperback(ISBN 9780307456700) and paperback(ISBN 9780307357557) and altformat(ISBN 9780307271600) and altformat(ISBN 9780307357540) and ebook(ISBN 9780307363121) and ebook(ISBN 9780385350372) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780804149037) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780804149044)
Where can I buy Empress Dowager Cixi online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Empress Dowager Cixi from below
Where can I buy Empress Dowager Cixi?