Episode 1
4 Extra Debut. Jung Chang's groundbreaking biography reassesses this formidable 19th-century stateswoman who single-handedly dragged China into modernity.
Jung-Chang's ground-breaking biography reassesses the reputation of this formidable 19th century stateswoman who single-handedly dragged China into modernity. Based on newly available documents, this biography comprehensively overturns the conventional view of the Dowager Empress as a deeply conservative and cruel despot.
Jung Chang vividly describes how Cixi fought against monumental obstacles to change China. Under her the ancient country attained virtually all the attributes of a modern state: industries, railways, electricity, telegraph, and an army and navy with up-to-date weaponry. It was she who abolished gruesome punishments like 'death by a thousand cuts' and put an end to foot-binding. She inaugurated women's liberation, and embarked on the path to introduce parliamentary elections to China.
A fast-paced and gripping story which takes us inside the mind of a brilliant political strategist.
Read by Pik-Sen Lim
Abridged by Sara Davies
Produced by Gemma Jenkins.
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Reader | Pik Sen Lim |
| Producer | Gemma Jenkins |
| Abridger | Sara Davies |
| Author | Jung Chang |
Broadcasts
Mon 23 Sep 2013 09:45大象传媒 Radio 4 FM- Tue 24 Sep 2013 00:30大象传媒 Radio 4
- Mon 10 Sep 2018 14:45大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 11 Sep 2018 02:45大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra
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