Free digital classic
China under the Empress Dowager: Being the history of the life and times of Tzŭ Hsi
by Bland, J. O. P. (John Otway Percy), Backhouse, E. (Edmund), Sir
- Reading format
- EPUB in Folarin Bookstore Digital
- Language
- en
About this book
Creators: J. O. P. Bland (1863-1945) and Sir E. Backhouse (1873-1944) "China under the Empress Dowager: Being the History of the Life and Times of Tzŭ Hsi" by J. O. P. Bland and E. Backhouse is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the life of Tzŭ Hsi, also known as the Empress Dowager, detailing her rise to power, manipulations within the court, and her significant influence over China during a tumultuous period. It offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of the Manchu court, politics, and Tzŭ Hsi’s personal story against the backdrop of a declining dynasty. At the start of the book, the authors introduce Yehonala, the woman who would become Empress Dowager Tzŭ Hsi. Her early life, marked by the struggles of her lineage, is discussed alongside her childhood, education, and rise within the imperial harem after marrying Emperor Hsien-Feng. The narrative highlights key moments, including the family pressures she faced, her quick adaptation to palace life, and the political intrigues that surrounded her, illustrating how she began to assert her influence through cunning and intelligence, even from a young age. This opening portion sets the stage for examining her role in shaping imperial policy and navigating the chaos of 19th-century China. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading Level: Reading ease score: 49.1 (College-level). Difficult to read. Rights: Public domain in the USA. Downloads: 1183