Subject
Cixi, Empress dowager of China, 1835-1908 Books
Best books
J. O. P. (John Otway Percy) Bland
China under the Empress Dowager : $b Being the history of the life and times of Tzŭ Hsi
"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.
Isaac Taylor Headland
Court Life in China: The Capital, Its Officials and People
"Court Life in China: The Capital, Its Officials and People" by Isaac Taylor Headland is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the intricacies of the Chinese imperial court, particularly under the influence of the powerful Empress Dowager, as well as the various officials and the lives of the people connected to it. The book aims to shed light on the previously hidden lives within the Forbidden City and the dynamics of power and reform during a transformative period in Chinese history. At the start of the work, Headland introduces the Empress Dowager, Tze Hsi An, who is characterized by her commanding presence and significant influence over the nation's affairs. The text details her humble beginnings, growing up in a family of modest means, and the societal customs surrounding the selection of young girls for positions within the imperial harem. Through anecdotes from Headland's wife, who served as a physician to the imperial family, the opening sections illustrate the Empress Dowager's transformation from a lowly concubine to the most powerful figure in China, reflecting on her unique blend of ambition, intelligence, and the nuances of court life. The emotional weight of her early life experiences shapes her views on education and reform, positioning her as a figure of both architectural majesty and depth amid the political turbulence of her time.
Katharine A. (Katharine Augusta) Carl
With the Empress Dowager of China
"With the Empress Dowager of China" by Katharine A. Carl is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the author's experiences as she was invited to the Chinese Court to paint the portrait of the Empress Dowager, a notable figure in Chinese history known for her significant and often controversial influence. The narrative delves into the dynamics of the court, the customs, and the intricacies involved in painting the imperial portrait, offering insights into this unique time and culture. The opening of the book details the author's arrival in Peking and her preparation for her first audience with the Empress Dowager. It describes the journey from the American Legation to the Summer Palace, providing vivid imagery of the landscape and entering the opulent imperial grounds. During the first audience, the author shares her surprise at the Empress Dowager's gracious demeanor, contrasting sharply with the feared reputation that preceded her. The first sitting for the portrait begins amid great formality, revealing both the author's artistic ambitions and the strain of capturing the essence of such a powerful and enigmatic figure under the scrutiny of court officials and attendants.
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