This new entry in the Longman Library of World Biography series offers the compelling story of Wu Zhao - one woman’s unlikely and remarkable ascent to the apex of political power in the patriarchal society of traditional China. Wu Zhao; Woman Emperor of China is the account of the first and only female emperor in China’s history. Set in vibrant; multi-ethnic Tang China; this biography chronicles Wu Zhao’s humble beginnings as the daughter of a provincial official; following her path to the inner palace; where she improbably rose from a fifth-ranked concubine to becoming Empress. Using clever Buddhist rhetoric; grandiose architecture; elegant court rituals; and an insidious network of “cruel officials†to cow her many opponents in court; Wu Zhao inaugurated a new dynasty in 690; the Zhou. She ruled as Emperor for fifteen years; proving eminently competent in the arts of governance; deftly balancing factions in court; staving off the encroachment of Turks and Tibetans; and fostering the state’s economic growth.
#237738 in Books Nimoy Leonard 2015-06-23 2015-06-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .88 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0316388378352 pagesI Am Spock
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Nimoy and SpockBy Anne M. HunterThis is a pleasant book; mostly for readers interested in Star Trek; about Nimoy's career as Spock; with some information about his other dramatic and directorial roles. I read it right after reading George Takei's "To the Stars"; which is better; mostly because Takei had a much more interesting and full life; starting with his experiences as a child in the Japanese-American campus during WWII; and then his activist/political work. Nimoy admits to having a personal life (Takei in 1994 was not in a position to talk about his) but keeps it completely generic (wife and kids).Many things surprised me -- Roddenberry seems to have disappeared from Star Trek after the first two seasons; never reappearing; at least for Nimoy; as an artistic force for Star Trek. Unlike Takei; Nimoy only mentions Shatner's artistic megalomania once or twice; and seems to have managed not only to get along with him but actually to have liked him.I always wondered why; after directing the astonishingly successful "Three Men and a Baby" that set box office records; Nimoy didn't go on to a major career as a Hollywood director. Perhaps it was the problematic "The Good Mother" that killed that.The whole theme of Nimoy and Spock having dialogs didn't do much for me. I'm not sure that I believe that Spock was such a sustained and significant role in his career that Spock would be in his head.Anybody who is interested in Star Trek and Spock should definitely read this -- at the price it's more than worth it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. SPOCK and NIMOY? Two old friendsBy E. N.Following the death of Leonard Nimoy this year; I felt compelled to again explore "space; the final frontier" once again and especially the character Spock who I thought was so completely brought to life by Nimoy. This book was written earlier than the book by the similar name; I AM SPOCK; and was very interesting and informative regarding Nimoy and his professional career. Moreover; both books give insight into how Nimoy created the character Spock (the Martian according to studio heads) and this explains how the character developed and; indeed; became a "Living being" to so many fans of Star Trek. It was exciting to remember! Having read this book and the other; I felt that not only had Nimoy died; but Spock as well. That was sad; I cried. Two old friends gone; but now probably out there exploring the world beyond this one. Live long and prosper.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Love Nemoy. I was an immediate Trekker in 1966By James O. Clark IILove Nemoy. I was an immediate Trekker in 1966. I loved his acting in general. I possess great admiration for him in standing up to anti-Semitic white supremacists who try...even today...to deny the Jewish Holocaust. He will always stand as a collosus of humanity; reason; and intellect in my life. A must read for every humanitarian and humanist! The man behind the Vulcan mask.
