Product Description

This is the true story of Wu Zetian, the only reigning empress in Chinese history, who schemed, poisoned and strangled her way to become a living god. Born in the 7th century AD, Wu was the daughter of a lumber merchant. Prophecies predicted that she would become emperor but these were seen as ridiculous when the baby turned out to be a girl. At the age of 13, her beauty led to her selection as a concubine to the 40-year-old Supreme Emperor Taizong. Her family were disappointed, since the emperor already had many wives, but they underestimated Wu's steely determination to succeed. When the emperor fell ill Wu seduced his heir, a move regarded as incestuous. Sent to a convent, she was rescued by the besotted new emperor, and lied and murdered her way through her rivals, until she had the empress executed. Now empress, Wu ruled China from behind the throne after her husband suffered a stroke. Upon his death she poisoned her strong-willed eldest son, and tried to rule through two more malleable sons. Finally she took the throne herself. Acclaimed author Jonathan Clements tells the colourful and dramatic story of China's first and only reigning empress.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #269245 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

About the Author
Jonathan Clements is the author of Pirate King, Confucius and The First Emperor of China, as well as children's books on Chinese history and religion. He is a contributing editor to Newtype USA magazine, and the recipient of a Japan Festival Award for outstanding contributions to the understanding of Japanese culture.

Customer Reviews

Great Account
This was a good account on the life of empress Wu. For some people she was an inspiration and for others she was a snake who didn't hesitate to kill her nearest and dearest to become an Empress. This book introduced the Chinese Dynasty well and gave a honest account of how the court works. This book is full of true Chinese history and those of you who are interested in the history of china this book is worth reading.

This is the story of a strong women who knew exactly what to do to be the Empress of China and to rule on her own

Interesting book about a fascinating woman
This excellent biography is about a curious woman, ahead of her time; the infamous Empress Wu, who ruled China for a number of decades during the seventh century.

The various stunts and schemes she devised in order to obtain power are fascinating, ghoulish and always interesting to read about. This well-written book paints a very vivid picture of a very shrewd woman who ruled powerfully and uncompromisingly. It also describes the events and ideas which mark Empress Wu out as one of the first and most important figures of female emancipation.

This is a truly entertaining but also very informative book, well worth a read for those who enjoy reading about interesting people.

A triumph!
This book is wonderful. Despite the rather dramatic title, the author is in fact very objective towards Wu. Although she did scheme and bully her way to absolute power, one cant help admiring Wu despite her tyranny. In an age dominated by weak men it was a great achievement for a woman to obtain such power and Wu's determination and tenacious ambition can only be applauded.