Keith McMahon Pořadí knih

Focusing on polygamous emperors and women rulers, the book offers a thorough exploration of Chinese history, showcasing the complexities of royal domestic life. Drawing from extensive research, it provides a unique perspective on the roles and relationships within royal palaces. McMahon's engaging narrative serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in the intricacies of imperial family dynamics.

This volume completes McMahon's acclaimed history of imperial wives and royal polygamy in China. Avoiding the stereotype of empresses and imperial concubines as mere victims or playthings, this book considers them as full- fledged participants in palace life, whether as mothers, wives, or go-betweens in the emperor's relations with others.

This cross-cultural study delves into the contrasting views of opium users and non-users from China and the Euro-West, highlighting the tension between cultural perceptions and the realities of opium consumption. It examines the societal implications of opium, including its impact on Chinese financial systems and the shift from Confucianism to Christianity. The book also investigates early Western accounts of opium smoking, debates over its legalization, and its representation in 19th-century Chinese literature, showcasing diverse social interactions surrounding this complex topic.