Emperor Qianlong

This new entry in the Longman Library of World Biography series offers an intimate and provocative account of the Manchu emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), one of the worlds great empire-builders, who helped build the foundation of the modern Chinese nation.

During the 64 years of Qianlongs rule, Chinas population more than doubled, its territory increased by one-third, its cities flourished, and its manufactures tea, silk, porcelain were principal items of international commerce. Based on original Chinese and Manchu-language sources, and drawing on the latest scholarship, this is the  biography of the man who, in presiding over imperial Chinas last golden epoch, created the geographic and demographic framework of modern China.

This accessible account describes the personal struggles and public drama surrounding one of the major political figures of the early modern age, with special consideration given to the emperors efforts to rise above ethnic divisions and to encompass the political and religious traditions of Han Chinese, Mongols, Tibetans, Turks, and other peoples of his realm.

In addition to becoming familiar with one of the most remarkable figures in world history, readers will find that learning about Emperor Qianlong will add greatly to their appreciation of Chinas place in the world of the eighteenth century and will deepen their understanding of Chinas place in the world today.