| Description |
viii, 370 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm |
| Contents |
In xanadu -- The emperor of perpetual happiness -- Madness in the forbidden city -- On the wild wall -- The ming tombs -- In the garden of perfect brightness -- The broken bowl tea house -- The last sanctuary of the unknown and -- Marvellous -- The last manchus -- In search of the golden flower -- Mao and Beijing -- History in stone -- The strange death of Lao She -- The red maid's tale -- The last playboy of Beijing -- The protectress of flowers -- Radiant city of the future -- Destroy! -- The eternal present |
| Summary |
"In City of Heavenly Tranquility, long-time resident and journalist Jasper Becker brings back to life the emperors, eunuchs, courtesans, and warriors who for centuries ruled from behind the red walls of the Forbidden City. Becker mixes his own experiences with poignant stories from those who have tried to preserve China's past, struggling against ruthless officials and a fiercely nationalistic government set on changing the fabric of a nation by jettisoning the past and clearing space for the future. In the process, China's officials are demolishing homes and destroying livelihoods, and evicting over three million residents in Beijing alone."--BOOK JACKET |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 327-333) and index |
| Subject |
Beijing (China) -- History.
|
|
China -- History.
|
|
Beijing (China) -- Description and travel.
|
| LC no. |
2008004249 |
| ISBN |
9780195309973 |
|
