• Understanding Imperial China: Dynasties, Life, and Culture

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Publisher's summary

A knowledge of China's imperial history is vital for any understanding of its present, as modern China is linked in many ways to the extraordinary culture of its empire. These 24 lectures take you to the heart of life during China's imperial era, through the lives of individual subjects of all social ranks. Across the arc of the course, you'll witness what daily life was like for government bureaucrats, for scholars, for women of the court, for soldiers, merchants, craftspeople, courtesans, imperial cooks, and many others - all against the backdrop of the diversity, the genius, and the majesty of imperial China.

You'll hear about such memorable sights as the grand boulevards; splendorous palaces; imposing temples of Chang'an, the medieval world's greatest city; and the Qingming Shanghetu, a 17-foot painted scroll that gloriously portrays Song Dynasty life. And you'll meet unforgettable human beings, whose lives vividly reveal the world around them, such as Ban Zhao, Han-era woman of letters, poet, scholar, and teacher; Tao Yuanming, Daoist luminary and the empire's first great poet; Zhu Yuanzhang, powerful warlord and founder of the Ming Dynasty; and Hong Xiuquan, visionary reformer and architect of the religiously inspired Taiping Rebellion.

Understanding Imperial China: Dynasties, Life, and Culture is your passport to this incredible, historic world.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2017 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about Understanding Imperial China: Dynasties, Life, and Culture

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5 out of 5 stars
By kevin bailey on 04-11-18

Must listen

Insightful, interesting, instructive. A look into the varied lives of the Chinese people across two centuries of historic endeavor.

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5 out of 5 stars
By Interested father on 07-10-20

Very good overview

Upon first go through there many names that make it difficult to keep track of characters; but the story is 5000 years and it gives great perspective. Will review this again and expect to enjoy it more. I will download the pdf and follow the story a little closer.

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3 people found this helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By John on 06-13-18

Equals the best Audible has

This course equals the best that Audible has ...which is anything Professor Ken Harl offers

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