Heaven is silent to the withered chess -- the political situation and figures of the late Qing Dynasty

Author: Jiang Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-18
Features: The book explores 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 picture of that era, offering a fresh and engaging approach. The book is captivating to read, as noted by Zhao Qizheng, former Director of the State Council Information Office and Dean of the School of Journalism at Renmin University of China: "It is very Shanghai-style, yet also full of Beijing flavor; highly professional, yet very readable. A collection of Beijing anecdotes as seen through the eyes of a Shanghai person, written by a historian as prose." It combines nostalgia with originality, as described by Mao Haijian, Professor of the History Department at Peking University:
This book uses the details of people and things in old Beijing to portray a vivid image of the late Qing Dynasty. While Beijing certainly has many scenic spots, the "scenic" places described by Jiang Ming are not about landscapes but about people and events. What fascinates the author is the history of the legendary figures who once flourished in Beijing and are now long gone. The characters and stories in the book are complex and highly interesting. The author is also a skilled storyteller, recounting anecdotes that are either long-forgotten or previously unheard of, making for a comfortable and enjoyable read. However, the book offers more than just light entertainment. Some chapters are meticulously crafted with great effort, and the writing is sharp and incisive.