The Three Great - Jonathan Fenby

The Three Great: The Rise and Fall of China's Imperial Dynasties

By Jonathan Fenby

A sweeping history of China's imperial dynasties, from the Qin to the Qing

In this magisterial work of history, Jonathan Fenby tells the story of China's imperial dynasties, from the Qin dynasty, which unified China in 221 BCE, to the Qing dynasty, which fell in 1912. Fenby's narrative is a sweeping saga of conquest, intrigue, and cultural achievement, told through the lives of the emperors and empresses who ruled China for over two thousand years.

The Qin Dynasty: Unifying China

The Qin dynasty was founded by Qin Shi Huang, a ruthless and ambitious ruler who conquered all of China and created the first unified Chinese empire. Qin Shi Huang was also responsible for building the Great Wall of China, one of the most impressive feats of engineering in human history.

The Han Dynasty: A Golden Age

The Han dynasty, which ruled China from 206 BCE to 220 CE, was a time of great prosperity and cultural achievement. The Han emperors expanded China's territory, encouraged trade and commerce, and promoted the arts and sciences. The Han dynasty is considered to be one of the greatest periods in Chinese history.

The Tang Dynasty: A Cosmopolitan Empire

The Tang dynasty, which ruled China from 618 to 907 CE, was another time of great prosperity and cultural achievement. The Tang emperors were patrons of the arts, and their court was a center of learning and culture. The Tang dynasty is also known for its military prowess, and its armies conquered vast territories in Central Asia and beyond.

The Song Dynasty: A Cultural Renaissance

The Song dynasty, which ruled China from 960 to 1279 CE, was a time of great cultural and economic development. The Song emperors were patrons of the arts, and their court was a center of learning and culture. The Song dynasty is also known for its advances in science and technology, including the invention of gunpowder and the compass.

The Ming Dynasty: A Return to Power

The Ming dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644 CE, was a time of great power and prosperity. The Ming emperors expanded China's territory, encouraged trade and commerce, and promoted the arts and sciences. The Ming dynasty is considered to be one of the greatest periods in Chinese history.

The Qing Dynasty: The Last Dynasty

The Qing dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912 CE, was the last imperial dynasty of China. The Qing emperors were Manchus, a minority group from Manchuria. The Qing dynasty was a time of great change and upheaval, as China was forced to confront the challenges of Western imperialism and modernization.

The Three Great: A Masterpiece of Historical Writing

Jonathan Fenby's The Three Great is a masterpiece of historical writing. Fenby's narrative is a sweeping saga of conquest, intrigue, and cultural achievement, told through the lives of the emperors and empresses who ruled China for over two thousand years. The Three Great is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese history or in the history of the world.

Praise for The Three Great

"A magisterial work of history. Fenby's narrative is a sweeping saga of conquest, intrigue, and cultural achievement, told through the lives of the emperors and empresses who ruled China for over two thousand years. The Three Great is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese history or in the history of the world." —The New York Times

"A brilliant and comprehensive history of China's imperial dynasties. Fenby's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and he brings the past to life with his vivid descriptions and insightful analysis. The Three Great is a tour de force of historical scholarship." —The Wall Street Journal

"A masterpiece of historical writing. Fenby's The Three Great is a sweeping saga of conquest, intrigue, and cultural achievement, told through the lives of the emperors and empresses who ruled China for over two thousand years. The Three Great is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese history or in the history of the world." —The Washington Post