A Brief Overview of the History of Ming

Author: Wu Han
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2005-07-01
Features: This book is a transcript of lectures given by Wu Han at the Central Party School in 1962, which was published in the Journal of Beijing Normal University in 1979. The entire work concisely and clearly narrates the history of the Ming Dynasty and provides special analysis of its key issues. Wu Han was a renowned scholar of Ming Dynasty studies, and his explanations were both profound and accessible, making the book highly readable. Many of the viewpoints he presented remain inspiring even today. A Concise Account of the Ming History is a transcript of academic lectures delivered by Wu Han at the Central Party School, offering a brief yet systematic account of the most fundamental, important, and critical issues in Ming Dynasty history, such as the founding of the Ming Dynasty by the Hongwu Emperor, the relocation of the capital to Beijing by the Yongle Emperor, the northern nomads and southern pirates, the Eastern Party struggles, the Jianzhou Jurchens, Zheng He's voyages to the West, and the emergence of capitalism. Understanding these issues allows one to grasp the basic outline, main characteristics, and developmental trajectory of Ming Dynasty history. Although the book is not lengthy, it is a must-read for those studying and researching the Ming Dynasty. Wu Han's writing is simple and easy to understand, making the book highly readable.