C. P. Fitzgerald (1902–1992)

An excellent history of the short history of the Sui Dynasty and the founding of the Tang Dynasty focusing on the second Tang Emperor, Li Shih-Min (who earned the title 'founder of the Tang' although first setting his father on the throne as the emperor we know as Gaozong). This riveting story, written by one of the great sinologists, C. P. Fitzgerald, uses two classic references as its sources: The Mirror of History (Tzu chih t'ung chien), written in the 11th century, and a later Yuan show more Dynasty commentary. The detail, including recorded quotes from Li Shih-Min as recorded by the court historians of the Tang, bring this amazing story to life.

The rendition of the various conflicts--military and court--are covered in minute detail, the latter more intriguing than the former (at least to this reader, who confesses skimming through many of the detailed tactical battle scenes). Some readers may be familiar with this emperor as he became the renowned Emperor Taizong, who memorialized his six war steeds by having bas reliefs of them placed on his tomb (four are now in Xi'an's Beilin Museum, and two in Philadelphia).

Li Shih-Min by the age of 15 was leading armies into battle to overthrow the corrupt emperor Sui Yangdi, and by the age of 26 was himself emperor, but not before countless conflicts against both domestic and foreign foe (especially the tribes of the northern plains), slaying his own unworthy elder brother who had been designated crown prince, together with another younger, ambitious half-brother (born of a concubine), and retiring his still-living father (who happily lived to an old age focused on his real love--hunting).

In maturity, Li Shih-Min was a good ruler, who often pardoned some of his staunchest enemies and took them into his own inner circle if they had talents he needed. In the end, he had to endure hostilities between his own sons for the throne (once again, an incompetent crown prince with a coterie of ambitious conspirators). When a planned rebellion failed, the emperor executed many, pardoned some, allowed others to commit suicide, and exiled his degraded son, the former crown prince--who died in a remote frontier town a year later. Shih-Min's successor, his 9th son, Gaozong, was young and inexperienced when he came to the throne at the age of 21 (in 649), and is perhaps best remembered as the son who fell under the spell of one of his father's concubines...who became in time the infamous Empress Wu Zetian. But that is another story.

A wonderful book, a story well told, and must-reading for anyone interested in Tang history. show less

This history of East Asia takes us through the entire historical period of China, Japan, Korea, and the South East Asian states with shorter histories including Cambodia, Burma, and Thailand.
China takes up nearly a third of the book, having been for a long time the only region in its vicinity with an advanced degree of civilisation, including writing, structured society and government, and attendant bureaucracy, court, or civil service. Japan, though it developed later than China, also has show more a complex cultural past, and so also takes up nearly a third of this volume. In both of these cases we have a complicated history of competing factions or kingdoms, sometimes united by an Imperial ruler, other times less so, with periods of peace, war, and changing society.
Generally this is a very easy to read book that conveys a lot of interesting information in a well structured format. If we are to have any understanding of the idiosyncrasies of the present day countries of East Asia, it is important to know the historical forces that have shaped these societies, and this book delivers a good and concise overview. If I had any criticism it would be that there were a few more maps in addition to those provided. However as it is this is a very good read for anyone vaguely interested in world history, Asia, and the culture of these regions. show less

A history of the expansion and recession of Chinese influence in Yunnan and all of Southeast Asia, resulting in massive immigration of Chinese into these areas. Economic, cultural, and political effects of this migration is studied.

A history of the expansion and recession of Chinese influence in Yunnan and all of Southeast Asia, resulting in massive immigration of Chinese into these areas. Economic, cultural, and political effects of this migration is studied.