Chinese Emperors

by Ma Yan

Chinese Emperors is a beautifully illustrated volume that presents concise biographies of more than a hundred important emperors and other leaders, describing their influence on the troubled evolution of what today has become one of the greatest nations in the world. Highly readable, and full of fascinating anecdotes, the book takes the reader through thousands of years of evolution during which what we now know as China developed from a country that alternated between periods of calm and prosperity and conflict and oppression.

The pen-portraits reveal how many of the emperors (and the empresses, the warlords, the dukes, and princes) took an active part in establishing the many facets of Chinese culture, while others gorged themselves in opulent self-gratification. On the one hand they speak of bloody internal rebellions punctuated with major international wars and border skirmishes. On the other, they describe how, against a backdrop of devastating natural disasters such as floods, plagues, and famine, many of the leaders concerned themselves with the well-being of their essentially peasant subjects.

The book covers the period from about the 21st Century BC to 1912, when China became a republic, and the entries are arranged roughly chronologically within the major dynasties. The illustrations include many dramatic paintings, contemporary portraits, and photographs of exquisite artifacts. In all, a most attractive and interesting work of reference.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, China

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much history to be learned that never quite got touched upon whilst in school. Such interesting legends and lore. Concise enough to not be boring yet in depth enough to want to learn more.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating information and beautiful photos. But, the large number of typos is very distracting.