The World of Wu Zhao: Annotated Selections from Zhang Zhuo's Court and Country

The World of Wu Zhao offers a unique perspective on the empire of Wu Zhao, China's first and only female emperor, challenging traditional beliefs and providing a lively and entertaining exploration of medieval China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

This annotated translation of Zhang Zhuos collection of miscellany,Court and Country, offers a lively, folksy, and novel perspective on the empire of Wu Zhao, China's first and only female emperor, that will amuse and shock readers, prompting them to recalibrate everything they think they know about medieval China. The World of Wu Zhao includes separate chapters on a number of different themes and topics: Buddhist and Daoist monks, the female emperor's male favorites (who dressed up in rainbow feathered garments and pranced around her court astride wooden red-capped cranes), cruel officials (bloodthirsty henchmen who took an aesthetic delight in their vocation), as well as sections on flora and fauna, the common folk, artisans and craftsmen, the military, spirits and the supernatural, the borderlands, and local officials.

The World of Wu Zhao is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of the empire of Wu Zhao, China's first and only female emperor. Zhang Zhuo's collection of miscellany offers a unique and captivating perspective on this remarkable period of Chinese history, providing readers with a lively, folksy, and novel approach to understanding the empire and its inhabitants.

One of the most notable features of The World of Wu Zhao is its portrayal of the female emperor and her male favorites. Zhang Zhuo's account of these individuals is both amusing and shocking, as he provides a detailed and vivid description of their extravagant costumes, their prancing around the court astride wooden red-capped cranes, and their bloodthirsty henchmen. These characters are a testament to the power and influence of the female emperor, as well as the strange and fascinating world that she inhabited.

In addition to the female emperor and her male favorites, The World of Wu Zhao also includes chapters on a wide range of other themes and topics. These include Buddhist and Daoist monks, cruel officials, flora and fauna, the common folk, artisans and craftsmen, the military, spirits and the supernatural, the borderlands, and local officials. Each of these chapters provides a deeper understanding of the empire and its inhabitants, and helps to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of medieval China.

One of the most interesting aspects of The World of Wu Zhao is its portrayal of the common folk and the ordinary people who lived in the empire. Zhang Zhuo's account of these individuals is both sympathetic and critical, as he provides a nuanced and nuanced understanding of their lives and struggles. He highlights the hardships and challenges that they faced, as well as the resilience and determination that they exhibited in the face of adversity.

Another notable feature of The World of Wu Zhao is its portrayal of the military and the various armed forces that were employed in the empire. Zhang Zhuo provides a detailed and vivid description of the weapons and tactics that were used in battle, as well as the training and discipline that were required to be a successful soldier. This chapter is particularly interesting for those who are interested in the history of military technology and strategy.

Finally, The World of Wu Zhao includes sections on flora and fauna, the borderlands, and local officials. These chapters provide a deeper understanding of the natural environment and the political landscape of the empire, and help to shed light on the complex and interconnected nature of medieval China.

In conclusion, The World of Wu Zhao is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of the empire of Wu Zhao, China's first and only female emperor. Zhang Zhuo's collection of miscellany offers a unique and captivating perspective on this remarkable period of Chinese history, providing readers with a lively, folksy, and novel approach to understanding the empire and its inhabitants. Whether you are interested in medieval China, history, or just looking for a good read, The World of Wu Zhao is a must-read.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839983528