Shih-Shan Henry Tsai

This is a well-crafted, very readable introduction to the Ming emperor Yongle, full of both rich factual content and fascinating details that weave together many bits of information you probably already know but perhaps have not yet connected (for example, the relationship many Southeast and East Asian countries had with Yongle and his court that ranged from very good [Korea], to not-so-good [Annam or Vietnam]; how the 8 tones of Chinese music are tied to particular instruments; the difference between Mongols, Manchus and Tartars and the complexities of their relationships; the popularity of Korean court concubines; the use of eunuchs as agents in the tea-horse trade, the completion of the Grand Canal, building of Beijing's Forbidden City, and more). It's a perfect introduction to 14th/15th century China--meticulously researched (with references in the end notes), and then written to fascinate, entertain and educate general readers interested in Chinese (and Asian) history.

Yongle was the founding Ming emperor Hongwu's fourth son (born Zhu Di, or the Prince of Yan), who usurped the throne from the designated heir apparent after their father's death in the 4th year (?) of his older brother's rule...and then tried to expunge his name and memory from Ming history. In doing so, he expanded and defended the empire, re-established Chinese society after a century of foreign (Mongol) rule, created the world's largest encyclopedia of its time, moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing, and sent out the eunuch Admiral Zheng He who became one of history's greatest explorers.

Nine chapters cover his life and accomplishments (and shortfalls--ego, temper, and a tendency to imprison and punish court nay-sayers)...and there is enough information on Hongwu to make it a good introduction to the early years of the Ming Dynasty in general.

An excellent bibliography and list of Chinese names in Chinese characters provide the means for readers to go on to more in-depth research.

As an educator and trainer of museum docents, this volume is a true 'find' that I will add to our recommended reading list.… (more)