02537cam a22003373u 4500 523 UtSlPG 20260610133032.0 m cr n 260607r1996||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 DS Headland, Isaac Taylor, 1859-1942 Court Life in China: The Capital, Its Officials and People Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 1996 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 1996-05-01 Produced by Charles Keller. HTML version by Al Haines. "Court Life in China: The Capital, Its Officials and People" by Isaac Taylor Headland is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on the intricacies of the Chinese imperial court, particularly under the influence of the powerful Empress Dowager, as well as the various officials and the lives of the people connected to it. The book aims to shed light on the previously hidden lives within the Forbidden City and the dynamics of power and reform during a transformative period in Chinese history. At the start of the work, Headland introduces the Empress Dowager, Tze Hsi An, who is characterized by her commanding presence and significant influence over the nation's affairs. The text details her humble beginnings, growing up in a family of modest means, and the societal customs surrounding the selection of young girls for positions within the imperial harem. Through anecdotes from Headland's wife, who served as a physician to the imperial family, the opening sections illustrate the Empress Dowager's transformation from a lowly concubine to the most powerful figure in China, reflecting on her unique blend of ambition, intelligence, and the nuances of court life. The emotional weight of her early life experiences shapes her views on education and reform, positioning her as a figure of both architectural majesty and depth amid the political turbulence of her time. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Cixi, Empress dowager of China, 1835-1908 Empresses -- China -- Biography Women -- China China -- Court and courtiers https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/523 42651 42651