Empress Dowager Cixi: the Concubine Who Launched Modern China

A New York Times Notable Book

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.