Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court

Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court PDF Author: Liu Jianhong
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384304829
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 586

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Book Description
In an era dominated by male rulers, one woman's extraordinary rise to power left an indelible mark on Chinese history. "Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court" chronicles the fascinating journey of Empress Dowager Cixi, from her humble beginnings as a concubine to her unprecedented reign over the Qing Dynasty. Through cunning political maneuvering, strategic alliances, and unwavering determination, Cixi navigated the treacherous corridors of the Forbidden City to become one of the most powerful and controversial figures of her time. Liu Jianhong masterfully captures the essence of Cixi's life, delving into the personal sacrifices, intense rivalries, and monumental reforms that defined her rule. This compelling narrative not only sheds light on Cixi's significant influence on China's modernization but also explores the complexities of her character—a woman of resilience, intellect, and unyielding ambition. Join us on a journey through opulent palaces, clandestine meetings, and pivotal moments in Chinese history as we uncover the story of Cixi, the iron lady who defied all odds to shape the destiny of a nation.

Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court

Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court PDF Author: Liu Jianhong
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384304829
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 586

Get Book Here

Book Description
In an era dominated by male rulers, one woman's extraordinary rise to power left an indelible mark on Chinese history. "Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court" chronicles the fascinating journey of Empress Dowager Cixi, from her humble beginnings as a concubine to her unprecedented reign over the Qing Dynasty. Through cunning political maneuvering, strategic alliances, and unwavering determination, Cixi navigated the treacherous corridors of the Forbidden City to become one of the most powerful and controversial figures of her time. Liu Jianhong masterfully captures the essence of Cixi's life, delving into the personal sacrifices, intense rivalries, and monumental reforms that defined her rule. This compelling narrative not only sheds light on Cixi's significant influence on China's modernization but also explores the complexities of her character—a woman of resilience, intellect, and unyielding ambition. Join us on a journey through opulent palaces, clandestine meetings, and pivotal moments in Chinese history as we uncover the story of Cixi, the iron lady who defied all odds to shape the destiny of a nation.

Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court

Cixi: The Iron Lady of China's Imperial Court PDF Author: Liu Jianhong
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783384304810
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


Versailles and the Sun King: The Age of Magnificence

Versailles and the Sun King: The Age of Magnificence PDF Author: Gerard Vuilly
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384438078
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 333

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Book Description
Step into the dazzling world of Louis XIV, the Sun King, whose vision transformed France into a beacon of culture, power, and grandeur. At the heart of his reign stood the Palace of Versailles, a masterpiece of architecture and ambition that became the ultimate symbol of absolute monarchy. In this captivating exploration, Gerard Vuilly delves into the life and legacy of one of history's most influential rulers. From the meticulous construction of Versailles to the centralization of power that redefined governance, the book examines how Louis XIV's reign shaped France's cultural identity and left an indelible mark on European history. Discover the opulence of court life, the intricacies of political strategy, and the artistic innovations that flourished under the Sun King's patronage. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Versailles and the Sun King unveils the era of magnificence that defined a nation and set a new standard for royalty worldwide. Perfect for history enthusiasts, lovers of architecture, and those fascinated by the intersection of culture and power, this book offers a vivid portrait of a king who turned his dreams into an enduring legacy.

Louis the Bavarian: Architect of Medieval Power

Louis the Bavarian: Architect of Medieval Power PDF Author: Daniel Wilcox
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384425189
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
In the heart of the medieval era, a transformative ruler emerged to reshape the political and cultural landscape of Europe. Louis the Bavarian: Architect of Medieval Power unveils the riveting story of Emperor Louis IV, a bold and controversial leader who challenged traditions, redefined imperial authority, and left an indelible mark on the Holy Roman Empire. Born into the powerful House of Wittelsbach, Louis ascended amidst fierce rivalries, familial tensions, and the ever-present influence of the Papacy. As Emperor, his reign was marked by dramatic conflicts, including his legendary struggle with Pope John XXII, which questioned the boundaries of secular and spiritual power. From Bavaria's fertile plains to the courts of Europe, Louis's journey was one of ambition, diplomacy, and resilience. Historian Daniel Wilcox masterfully navigates the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and reforms that defined Louis's era. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, this book explores how one man's vision shaped the political fabric of Europe, leaving a legacy that resonated far beyond his reign. Perfect for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the power dynamics of the Middle Ages, Louis the Bavarian is a compelling tale of ambition, strategy, and the quest for greatness in a tumultuous era.

From Elba to Paris: The Audacity of Napoleon's Comeback

From Elba to Paris: The Audacity of Napoleon's Comeback PDF Author: Charles Zahno
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384436148
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Book Description
Exiled, defeated, and stripped of his empire, Napoleon Bonaparte seemed destined to fade into history. But in a move that stunned Europe, the former Emperor escaped his Mediterranean exile on Elba and embarked on a daring journey to reclaim his throne. In just 100 days, Napoleon reignited the fervor of his supporters, evaded the forces of the restored Bourbon monarchy, and set the stage for one of the most dramatic military campaigns of all time. From the shores of Elba to his triumphant return to Paris, and ultimately to the fields of Waterloo, Napoleon's audacity reshaped the political landscape of Europe and cemented his legacy as one of history's most enigmatic figures. Historian Charles Zahno vividly chronicles this extraordinary episode, exploring Napoleon's strategic genius, relentless ambition, and the loyal network that made his astonishing comeback possible. A gripping tale of resilience and leadership, From Elba to Paris offers unparalleled insight into the man who refused to surrender to fate. For readers of military history and political intrigue, this is a story of defiance, redemption, and the enduring power of one individual to change the course of history.

Ivan the Terrible's Journey to Absolute Rule

Ivan the Terrible's Journey to Absolute Rule PDF Author: Anna S. Ulianova
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384433130
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 307

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Book Description
Step into the turbulent world of 16th-century Russia with Ivan the Terrible's Journey to Absolute Rule. In this compelling biography, Anna S. Ulianova delves into the life of Ivan IV, the enigmatic ruler who transformed Russia from a fragmented medieval state into a centralized empire. From his early reforms aimed at justice and governance to the darker days of the Oprichnina, Ivan's reign was a paradox of innovation and brutality. As the first Tsar of All Russia, Ivan envisioned a united and powerful state, yet his legacy is tainted by suspicion, terror, and relentless ambition. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Ulianova uncovers the complexities of Ivan's character—an autocrat shaped by personal tragedy, political chaos, and an unyielding desire for control. This book explores his pivotal military campaigns, his fraught relationship with the boyar aristocracy, and the cultural and religious transformations he set into motion. Ivan the Terrible's Journey to Absolute Rule offers a fresh perspective on one of history's most controversial figures, shedding light on how his reign forged the foundations of the modern Russian state while leaving an indelible mark on its people and their psyche. A must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the interplay of power, reform, and tyranny.

Benedict XV: A Voice of Hope During the Great War

Benedict XV: A Voice of Hope During the Great War PDF Author: Giovanni Leoni
Publisher: tredition
ISBN: 3384438639
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
Amid the thunderous chaos of World War I, one man stood as a beacon of hope and reconciliation: Pope Benedict XV. In this compelling biography, Benedict XV: A Voice of Hope During the Great War, Giovanni Leoni delves into the extraordinary life and papacy of Giacomo della Chiesa, the man who ascended to the papal throne at a time when the world desperately needed a voice of unity and compassion. Benedict XV's tenure is often overshadowed by the devastating events of the Great War, yet his unwavering commitment to peace and humanity carved a unique path through the darkness of conflict. From his groundbreaking 1917 Peace Note, a bold call for reconciliation among warring nations, to his tireless efforts in providing humanitarian aid to war-torn communities, Benedict XV redefined the role of the papacy in international affairs. Leoni masterfully brings to life the challenges Benedict XV faced: navigating the Vatican's neutrality in a deeply divided world, advocating for the powerless amid geopolitical strife, and balancing tradition with the need for reform in a rapidly changing era. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, this biography paints an intimate portrait of a leader whose courage and vision resonate as powerfully today as they did a century ago. For readers of history, theology, and those seeking inspiration from a figure who dared to stand for peace in an era dominated by violence, Benedict XV: A Voice of Hope During the Great War offers a profound exploration of leadership, courage, and enduring humanity.

Empress Dowager Cixi

Empress Dowager Cixi PDF Author: X. L. Woo
Publisher: Algora Publishing
ISBN: 0875861660
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
In all the history of China, only two women ever conquered and held the heights of power. Both enjoyed long reigns characterized by ruthless intrigue; they maintained an iron grip at the center while the vast country was torn by rebellions and caught up i.

Dragon Lady

Dragon Lady PDF Author: Sterling Seagrave
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 648

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Book Description
"The last empress of China--Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi (1835-1908)--is remembered as one of history's monsters, an iron-willed concubine who, after usurping power in 1861, ruled from the Dragon Throne for half a century. Her reign, in the aftermath of the Opium Wars and through the Boxer Rebellion until the collapse of the 2,000-year-old empire, has traditionally been seen as one of murder, poison, and intrigue. But the wicked image is false." "In 1974, to the dismay of scholars, Sir Edmund Backhouse--the biographer most responsible for the widespread vision of Tzu Hsi as monster--was revealed to be a con man. And now the author of the celebrated best-seller The Soong Dynasty has undertaken the first complete reappraisal of the empress--exposing Backhouse's writings about her as a major hoax and forgery, and establishing that the most important Western correspondent in Peking during her reign--Dr. George Morrison of the London Times--kept a secret diary contradicting his own dispatches about Tzu Hsi." "Drawing on many unpublished or long-overlooked contemporary sources, Sterling Seagrave shows us Tzu Hsi as a complex woman whose desperate--though often misguided--efforts to hold her country together take on a different coloration in the context of unrelenting foreign attempts to colonize and tear it apart. Far from being all-powerful, she was actually a hostage of vengeful Manchu princes who were using her in a power struggle against both Chinese reformers and foreign interference." "Here at last is an authentic portrait of this fascinating historical figure, as well as insight into the Western craving to believe in a sinister, dragon-haunted Orient. Dragon Lady is at once a compelling biography and the equally compelling story of how a myth was contrived, how it endured, and how, ultimately, the truth has emerged."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

China A to Z

China A to Z PDF Author: May-lee Chai
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 014218084X
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 338

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Book Description
A practical and accessible guide to an ancient but rapidly changing culture—now revised and updated Perfect for business, pleasure, or armchair travelers, China A to Z explains the customs, culture, and etiquette essential for any trip or for anyone wanting to understand this complex country. In one hundred brief, reader-friendly essays alphabetized by subject, this fully revised and updated edition provides a crash course in the etiquette and politics of contemporary China as well as the nation’s geography and venerable history. In it, readers will discover: · How the recently selected President and his advisors approach global relations · Why China is considered the fastest growing market for fashion and luxury goods · What you should bring when visiting a Chinese household · What’s hot in Chinese art · How recent scandals impact Chinese society From architecture and body language to Confucianism and feng shui, China A to Z offers accessible and authoritative information about China.