n nA New York Times Notable Book nAn NPR Best Book of the Year n n In 1852, at age sixteen, Cixi was chosen as one of Emperor Xianfengs numerous concubines. When he died in 1861, their five-year-old son succeeded to the throne. Cixi at once launched a coup against her sons regents and placed herself as the true source of power--governing through a silk screen that separated her from her male officials. n Drawing on newly available sources, Jung Chang comprehensively overturns Cixis reputation as a conservative despot. Cixis extraordinary reign saw the birth of modern China. Under her, the ancient country attained industries, railways, electricity, and a military with up-to-date weaponry. She abolished foot-binding, inaugurated womens liberation, and embarked on a path to introduce voting rights. Packed with drama, this groundbreaking biography powerfully reforms our view of a crucial period in Chinas--and the worlds--history. n