{"product_id":"empress-dowager-cixi","title":"Empress Dowager Cixi","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eWild Swans\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMao: The Unknown Story\u003c\/em\u003e, Jung Chang delivers an extraordinary account of the woman who single-handedly propelled China into the modern age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating life story of Empress Dowager Cixi, the concubine who rose from relative obscurity to become the most influential woman in Chinese history. In her groundbreaking biography, \u003cem\u003eEmpress Dowager Cixi\u003c\/em\u003e, Jung Chang masterfully illustrates Cixi’s pivotal role in transforming China's ancient empire into a burgeoning modern state. Through vivid storytelling, readers are transported to the grandeur of the Summer Palace and the intricate corridors of the Forbidden City, revealing the opulence and complexity of Cixi's world. Amongst the eunuchs and courtiers, one discovers Cixi's unique position and the intense personal sacrifices she endured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnder Cixi’s reign, China saw the abolition of horrific practices such as 'death by a thousand cuts' and the end of foot-binding. Contrary to longstanding depictions of her as a backward and tyrannical figure, Chang presents Cixi as a proactive reformer, whose policies laid the foundation for modern China's many attributes. By navigating through the political and cultural upheavals of her time with adeptness and foresight, Cixi emerges as not only a powerful monarch but also a tragic figure captivated by personal love and loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis biography is a tour de force, blending drama and historical scholarship to deliver both a panoramic depiction of the birth of modern China and an intimate portrait of an exceptional woman. As you delve into the pages of \u003cem\u003eEmpress Dowager Cixi\u003c\/em\u003e, experience the remarkable journey from her days as a concubine to becoming the de facto ruler of one-third of the world's population. This portrayal brings to light her nuanced role as a stateswoman who navigated a landscape of intense political turmoil and social change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed by critics, \u003cem\u003eEmpress Dowager Cixi\u003c\/em\u003e is hailed as 'powerful' by Simon Sebag Montefiore, 'truly authoritative' by the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e, and 'wonderful' by the \u003cem\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/em\u003e. A remarkable read, it was even shortlisted for the prestigious James Tait Black Biography Prize.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45691822670060,"sku":"9780099532392","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780099532392.jpg?v=1725548971","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/products\/empress-dowager-cixi","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}