 First edition | |
| Author | Pearl S. Buck |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | John Day |
Publication date | April 2, 1956[1] |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
Imperial Woman is anovel byPearl S. Buck first published in 1956.
Imperial Woman is a fictionalized biography ofEmpress Dowager Cixi (Tzu Hsi in Wade–Giles), who was a concubine of theXianfeng Emperor and on his death became thede facto head of theQing dynasty until her death in 1908 (before which the novel ends).
Tzu Hsi is the story of the last Empress in China, born into one of the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty. According to custom, she moved to the Forbidden City at the age of seventeen to become one of hundreds of concubines. But her singular beauty and powers of manipulation quickly moved her into the position of Second Consort. Tzu Hsi is feared and hated by many in the court, but adored by the people. The Empress's rise to power (even during her husband's life) parallels the story of China's transition from the ancient to the modern way.
Mrs. Buck's new novel,Imperial Woman, is published today.
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