The Last Emperors: A Social History of Qing Imperial Institutions [Paperback]

Evelyn S. Rawski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 5, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0520228375 | ISBN-13: 978-0520228375 | Edition: 1

The Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was the last and arguably the greatest of the conquest dynasties to rule China. Its rulers, Manchus from the north, held power for three centuries despite major cultural and ideological differences with the Han majority. In this book, Evelyn Rawski offers a bold new interpretation of the remarkable success of this dynasty, arguing that it derived not from the assimilation of the dominant Chinese culture, as has previously been believed, but rather from an artful synthesis of Manchu leadership styles with Han Chinese policies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is of immense importance to the China field. Evelyn Rawski makes the greatest contribution we can expect from a superior scholarly work: to offer bold conceptual arguments while providing solid groundwork for generations of future researchers." -Susan Mann, author of Precious Records "Rawski's study represents a landmark beginning for a new historiography of China: here is an interior view of an imperial China far more complex and multicultural than previously known." -Dru Gladney, author of Ethnic Identity in China"

From the Inside Flap

"This book is of immense importance to the China field. Evelyn Rawski makes the greatest contribution we can expect from a superior scholarly work: to offer bold conceptual arguments while providing solid groundwork for generations of future researchers."--Susan Mann, author of Precious Records

"Rawski's study represents a landmark beginning for a new historiography of China: here is an interior view of an imperial China far more complex and multicultural than previously known."--Dru Gladney, author of Ethnic Identity in China

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 466 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (February 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520228375
• ISBN-13: 978-0520228375
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #923,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid well written social history, November 18, 2003

By 

Peter M. Waldvogel (Woodhaven, New York United States, and sometimes China) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Emperors: A Social History of Qing Imperial Institutions (Paperback)

In this work Dr. Rawski argues convincingly for her side of the sinicization debate regarding the Manchu conquest dynasty, the Qing (1644-1911). For those of you who are new to the field of modern Chinese history you may be interested in reading the articles of Rawski and Ho Ping-ti (He Pingdi) found in the Journal of Asian Studies, published in the mid-90's. The debate that was started by those articles is still of great importance to modern Chinese history, and it seems that although Rawski and others have presented a very strong case no one as of yet has been victorious. Many scholars still hold the views of Ho Ping-ti (or some version there of). Although, I suspect that over time Rawski's views will triumph. The argument, simply stated, is the question - to what extent where the "conquest dynasties," especially the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty, sinicized? In the past, scholars (perhaps dominated by the sino-centric Chinese interpretation) have agreed that foreign powers who dominated the Chinese empire forsook their own cultures in favor of a Chinese identity. This included the adoption of the Confucian civil service tradition as well as the Chinese language and many other Chinese cultural traits and behavior patterns. In recent years however, scholars have given evidence to support a very different view of dynasties like the Qing. A certain level of sinicization is undeniable, and no one challenges the fact that the Manchu banner-elite adopted a very Chinese approach to governance and cultural issues, however they also held on tightly to their own culture and went to great efforts to distinguish themselves from the Han Chinese as a ruling elite. The Manchu language, which many scholars had previously considered irrelevant (when studying modern Chinese history) has here become increasingly important. Rawski goes to great lengths to demonstrate the ways in which the ruling elite of China did not adopt 'Chinese' cultural practices but instead tried to be all things to all people. For the Tibetans and the Mongols they adopted the identity of a ruling clergy of Tibetan Buddhism, for the Chinese they adopted the Confucian model of governance, and for the Manchus they held on to various animistic traditions of sacrifice and deity worship.
This book is well written, except for a few minor stylistically uncomfortable passages, and really proves her point. Unfortunately, it does drag on a bit at times. Rawski gives an extremely detailed account of life in the upper echelons of Qing society focusing on the imperial household. There is a large body of work here and it will take several readings to truly imbibe all this book has to offer.
If you are looking to deepen your knowledge of the field I recommend "Manchus & Han: Ethnic Relations and Political Power in Late Qing and Early Republican China, 1861-1928 " by Edward Rhoads. It is a bit shorter and focuses on the ethnic and political divides between the ruling elite and the Han Chinese.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book For those Interested in the Manchu Monarchy, October 7, 2000

By 

Jun Lee (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Emperors: A Social History of Qing Imperial Institutions (Hardcover)

I had been taught in my high school history that "Manchus conquered China on horseback but eventually they were assimilated by the Chinese, becoming more Chinese than the Chinese". After reading E.Rawski's book, I'm beginning to question what my history teachers taught me.

E.Rawski's concentrated research on the Manchu royal family shows that the Manchus, particularly the elite did not lose their cultural heritage but in fact strove to maintain it.

The book explains how the Manchu royal family differed from the Chinese dynasties in their various aspects of social life. As the book is divided in chapters, it's easy to follow and read.

In my humble opinion, this book is for those who wish to study the Manchu monarchy in more detail.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent synopsis on the Qing Dynasty, September 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Emperors: A Social History of Qing Imperial Institutions (Paperback)

This book beautifully describes the social fabric of life during the Qing Dynasty. As the author claims, she was privy to previously undisclosed Imperial records and has unearthed new insights into Qing customs.
I was introduced to this book after reading Jonathan Spence's "Treason by the book". Mr Spence, perhaps the foremost sinologist writing in a Western vein, has himself praised this book for its fount of new information on the Qing period.
I couldn't agree more and can also add that it is highly readable.