Dynastic Fortunes (Complete 11 Volumes)

Author: Yun Zhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The Rise and Fall of Dynasties is not a condensation of the Twenty-Four Histories, nor is it a imitation of a grand historical work. Although this book discusses the rise and fall of dynasties and changes in eras, it does not elaborate on the cyclical historical view of "division leads to unity, and unity leads to division." While it features the achievements of the formidable Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi, the somewhat less literary Tang Zong and Song Zong, the great conqueror Genghis Khan, and the horseback emperor Nurhaci, it does not offer subjective evaluations of them. What this book presents to readers are the hardships of founding a dynasty, the difficulties of maintaining one, the wisdom of ruling wisely, the struggles of reviving a dynasty, and the folly of its decline. Look, when dynasties were founded, the wise rulers led their advisors and fierce generals, working together in harmony, sacrificing themselves for the cause, leaving future generations deeply moved. Yet, as soon as the world was unified, tragedies like "disposing of the birds when the bow is stored" and "killing the dogs when the rabbits are dead" unfolded. When dynasties were maintained, ruled wisely, or revived, one would see the far-sighted plans of wise rulers, the long-term strategies of capable ministers, and the ruthless but effective generals. And when decline and folly set in, corruption and decay would inevitably follow, like twins, bringing calamity to the nation and suffering to the people. The people would be forced to rise up in rebellion, as the saying goes, "The call of the common soldiers led to the raising of the Hangu Pass." All of this vividly shows how one dynasty was built and how another was destroyed, and how the people drove the wheels of history forward. This book will also show readers how figures of heroic and tragic proportions disappear forever; how those who diagnose loyalty and treachery from their sickbeds gain insight; how those who wield fans and silk robes achieve victory over thousands of miles; and how those who stabilize and revitalize a declining dynasty subdue the wicked and restore peace. All of these leave behind a legacy of spirit and integrity, as well as contemplation and reflection for later generations. Pre-Qin by Yun Zhang Western Han by Wen Xing Eastern Han and the Three Kingdoms by Lei Daming and Xue Baicheng The Two Jin by Jing Youquan and Li Chunxiang The Southern and Northern Dynasties by Jing Youquan and Li Chunxiang Sui and Tang by Zhang Yang and Wang Hao The Five Dynasties and the Two Song by Wang Dezhong Yuan Dynasty by Zhao Yongchun Ming Dynasty by Sun Lina and Luan Fan Qing Dynasty by Jiang Shoupeng Republic of China by Guo Binwei