Heaven is silent to the withered chess: The politics and figures of the late Qing Dynasty

Author: Jiang Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The book studies the political figures of Beijing during the late Qing Dynasty, a topic with numerous existing works. Jiang Ming approaches this subject from the unique perspective of a southern scholar, using rich details of old Beijing's people and things to paint a vivid image of that era, offering a fresh and engaging perspective that makes the book captivating to read. —Zhao Qizheng, Former Director of the State Council Information Office, Dean of the School of Journalism, Renmin University of China
Very "Haipai" (Shanghai-style) and very "Beijing-flavored"; very professional, and very readable. A collection of Beijing anecdotes from the perspective of a Shanghai person, written by a historian as prose. Thoughtful and thought-provoking. —Mao Haijian, Professor of the Department of History, Peking University
The book uses the details of people and things in old Beijing to paint a vivid image of the late Qing Dynasty. While Beijing certainly has many scenic spots, the "scenic" in Jiang Ming's descriptions lies in the people and events rather than the landscapes. What keeps the author immersed are the historical figures of old Beijing who once rose to fame and lived in glory. The characters and stories discussed in the book are quite complex and fascinating, and the author is a skilled storyteller, recounting various anecdotes, some familiar and some previously unheard of, in a smooth and enjoyable manner. However, the book offers more than just leisurely reading; some chapters are meticulously crafted by the author, with sharp and insightful writing.