Originally Kangxi

Author: Zhang Yan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Experts review historical figures, authoritative interpretation of mysteries. Historian Lucien Febvre of France once said: "Our task is to create history, because in a turbulent world, only history can help us face life without fear." This is even more true in today's fast-paced era, where more and more people hope to understand our past to better focus on our future. The purpose of the "Great History Lecture" series is precisely this—to present the past to readers in a concise way and incorporate history into rational thinking and humanistic reflection. Thus, history no longer merely signifies the past; it also draws our attention to the future.
In his youth, he was not favored by his father-emperor but unexpectedly ascended the throne of emperor; diligent and studious, he was ambitious and at the age of fourteen, he overthrew the powerful official Ao Ba and regained control of the court; he worked diligently, eased the people's burdens, suppressed rebellions, and conquered the six directions. This great emperor of the 17th and 18th centuries, known as a heroic figure, was portrayed in films and TV dramas as either too eccentric, too ordinary, too profound, or too worldly.
Who was the original Kangxi? Professor Zhang Yan, the author of this book, uses extensive historical records, a fresh perspective, and a passionate pen to recreate Kangxi's heroic spirit in navigating difficulties and turning the tide, focusing on his ascension to the throne at a young age, his maturation and consolidation of power, and his diligent governance. While affirming the grand achievements he established, the book also points out the negative effects he had on the development of Chinese history and vividly portrays the inner world of this great leader. Thus, an arrogant, outstanding, confused, and tormented Kangxi comes to life on the page.
Among the emperors of Chinese history, this ethnic-minority ruler possessed extraordinary vitality and a relatively well-rounded personality. —Yu Mi, The Shadow of a Dynasty
Lucien Febvre, a French historian, once said: "Our task is to create history, because in a turbulent world, only history can help us face life without fear." This is even more true in today's fast-paced era, where more and more people hope to understand our past to better focus on our future. The purpose of the "Great History Lecture" series is precisely this—to present the past to readers in a concise way and incorporate history into rational thinking and humanistic reflection. Thus, history no longer merely signifies the past; it also draws our attention to the future.
In his youth, he was not favored by his father-emperor but unexpectedly ascended the throne of emperor; diligent and studious, he was ambitious and at the age of fourteen, he overthrew the powerful official Ao Ba and regained control of the court; he worked diligently, eased the people's burdens, suppressed rebellions, and conquered the six directions. This great emperor of the 17th and 18th centuries, known as a heroic figure, was portrayed in films and TV dramas as either too eccentric, too ordinary, too profound, or too worldly.
Who was the original Kangxi? Professor Zhang Yan, the author of this book, uses extensive historical records, a fresh perspective, and a passionate pen to recreate Kangxi's heroic spirit in navigating difficulties and turning the tide, focusing on his ascension to the throne at a young age, his maturation and consolidation of power, and his diligent governance. While affirming the grand achievements he established, the book also points out the negative effects he had on the development of Chinese history and vividly portrays the inner world of this great leader. Thus, an arrogant, outstanding, confused, and tormented Kangxi comes to life on the page.