Dragon Throne

by Jonathan Fenby

From 221 BC - when Shi Huangdi, First Emperor and founding father of Chinese imperial history, unified a large part of the Han Chinese homeland - until 1911, when imperial China collapsed in revolutionary chaos, China was ruled by a succession of powerful imperial dynasties. The Dragon Throne tells their rich, complex and often turbulent story, from the inception of the Qin dynasty to the fall of the Manchu in the early 20th century. China's imperial dynasties display a recurring pattern of birth, growth, prosperity and collapse due to external pressures. A number of powerful emperors left a particularly strong imprint on this troubled history, whether as conquerors, consolidators, tyrants, reformers or reactionaries. At the heart of The Dragon Throne are vivid profiles of such emperors as Shi Huangdi, who began the construction of the Great Wall; Han Wudi, the Han emperor who developed China as a centralized Confucian state; Kublai Khan, the first emperor of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, and Hongwu, the founder of the Ming dynasty

Genres: History, China, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 7, 2008

About the author

Jonathan Fenby, CBE, has been the editor of The Observer and the South China Morning Post. He is currently China Director at the research service Trusted Sources.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a compelling and well-argued "take" on Imperial China, this isn't it. What you do get is a kind of blow-by-blow of succession in broad strokes. It's interesting, but I think this is the kind of book you read in order to find the specific historical periods you want to find out more about. And, to be fair, much of this felt like the level of granularity you could get from a Wikipedia entry. I'm still glad I read it, but from a research perspective you could probably go elsewhere for the broadest look at Imperial China...

[Ling Xuan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise depiction of one epic empire. Was expecting some convoluted writings, but was pleasantly surprised at the clarity. A great read on China's breathtaking dynastic history.

[Lee Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, reading again as there is so much packed into this book. Great clarity and writing on such an epic history

[Hilmi Isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragon Throne merupakan sebuah buku sejarah ringkas yang menerangkan dinasti-dinasti utama yang wujud dan memerintah China. Apabila membincangkan mengenai pemerintahan bermaharaja di China,menceritakannya dengan hanya 288 muka surat adalah sesuatu yang tidak cukup. Walau bagaimanapun,saya mengagumi usaha penulis,Jonathan Fenby. Saya menganggap buku ini ditulis sebagai buku pengenalan kepada sesiapa sahaja yang mungkin selepas ini mahu mengkaji dengan lebih mendalam setiap dinasti yang wujud di China. Juga,buku ini bagus dibaca sebagai buku ulangkaji kerana di sekolah menengah kita selaku pelajar pernah mempelajari mengenai dinasti-dinasti di China di dalam kelas sejarah di sekolah masing-masing. Namun demikian,sejujurnya,saya juga mempelajari beberapa perkara baharu yang selama ini tidak saya ketahui sebelumnya.

[Gayle · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5*
Speed. I am speed.
Not Lightning McQueen - just this whole book.

It gives you no time to breathe before speeding through to the next emperor. A long-lasting, impactful ruler gets their rule condensed to 2 1/2 pages if they're lucky.

It's a pretty decent overview of Chinese imperial history (there's some good context here and there) but it doesn't provide much value on a deeper level.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never learned much Chinese history, so this was an eye-opening experience for me. I had no idea that Chinese history was so turbulent and bloody, and that the emperors and other leading figures were so cutthroat. This book is mostly a history of who killed whom in their quest for power.

This book is also a summary, and lacks detail in many areas, which is necessary when covering over 2,000 years in 259 pages. It would also benefit from better editing. The prose often went on tangents, later coming back to an earlier point seemingly without realizing that point had been partially addressed before. This resulted in a jumbled chronology and sometimes made the book difficult to follow.

I appreciated the list of the dynasties and the pictures. A map or two would also have been helpful.

All in all, this book is a good starting point for a study of imperial China.

[Lino Matteo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dragon Throne: Thoughts
China's Emperors from the Qin to the Manchu

This book, by Jonathan Fenby, covers almost 4000 years of deceit, duplicity, treachery, politics, emperors, and empires. China was not, and is not, a land of ‘milk and honey.’ It has, however, contributed much to the world. This book does a very good job of giving us a survey of its history, its people, and its interrelationship with the rest of the world.
Yes, author, Jonathan Fenby has delivered a big book, on a big topic, that is well crafted, well delivered, and well, frankly, overwhelming. Not to worry. It is the kind of book that you can go back to and reference. It gives an overview from the famous Sun Tzu and his “Art of War” to Cixi, “the portrait of a powerful concubine” and beyond.
It covers famous Chinese inventions – paper, gunpowder, printing, silk, porcelain and more. And of course, it delves into the various emperors and the dynasties to which they belong. Many are names that we, in the West, would recognize, such as:
1. Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE) - Considered semi-mythical
2. Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)
3. Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE)
4. Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE)
5. Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE)
6. Three Kingdoms (220–280 CE)
7. Jin Dynasty (265–420 CE)
8. Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–589 CE)
9. Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE)
10. Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE)
11. Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960 CE)
12. Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE)
13. Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 CE
14. Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE)
15. Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE)
The empire phase of China was not a homogenous and peaceful one. There was disunity with multiple competing states, regions, regents, emperors, and pretenders. Yet, they all were or became Chinese. Not necessarily Han, but Chinese nonetheless. In fact, some would argue that the Communists are but another in the long line of Dynasties that have ruled China. Perhaps, they are right. Time and history shall tell.
For you see, the book deals not just with politics, people, and power. It also deals with philosophy and thought. It has sections on Confucianism; Taoism versus Confucianism; Buddhist Truths; Taoism versus Buddhism and the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in China. Phew.
Resolve enmities and disputes to foster a long and peaceful life
Perhaps, closing with The Sacred Edicts, issued by Kangxi in 1670, based on Confucian teachings, will give us a sense of what it is to be Chinese:
1. Esteem most highly filial piety and brotherly submission to give due importance to social relationships.
2. Behave with generosity toward your kin to promote harmony and kindness.
3. Cultivate peace and concord in your neighborhoods to prevent quarrels and litigation.
4. Recognize the importance of agriculture and sericulture to ensure sufficient food and clothing.
5. Prize moderation and economy to avoid wasteful extravagance.
6. Value schools and education to uphold the proper conduct of scholars.
7. Reject heterodox beliefs to exalt the true Confucian doctrine.
8. Explain laws and regulations to encourage lawful behavior among the people.
9. Promote courtesy and propriety to refine customs and manners.
10. Work diligently in your occupations to maintain stability and purpose.
11. Instruct your sons and younger brothers to keep them from wrongdoing.
12. Avoid false accusations to protect the innocent from harm.
13. Do not harbor fugitives or lawbreakers to uphold justice.
14. Pay your taxes fully to support the state’s needs.
15. Unite in local associations to suppress theft and robbery.
16. Resolve enmities and disputes to foster a long and peaceful life.
Edits and transcription errors are all mine!
Let’s close with number sixteen: Resolve enmities and disputes to foster a long and peaceful life. We would all be better off if we learned and practiced that one!

Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2025...

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[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview on the occupants of Dragon Throne and the Chinese empire. There is some UK bias, so I would prefer translations of original Chinese historians rather than third (or more) hand British accounts. I suppose translations of a modern Chinese historian will likely be in my future reading list, or translations of older works if I can find them.

It seems as if this book is a collection of independent essays, which caused some word for word repetition, sometimes in the next paragraph. At least ten occurrences, but that does not detract too much. Sometimes the narrative was out of sequence, even within sections, although this usually was related to descriptions of separate movements.

The book fit well with my previous understanding, so I feel I learned quite a bit of an extended historical period. I was able to put my understanding of the history of other geographic areas and related cultures into perspective, particularly the silk road and India, but also the Mediterranean, Europe and Americas. I also felt that my video entertainment, which includes much Asian content from China, Korea and Japan, makes more sense and feels more like historical fiction than it had. (I guess I have seen most of the American video content that interests me, and that the owners will distribute through streaming at reasonable prices.)

This book did not treat myth and earlier (smaller) kingdoms and empires, so I am continuing that line of thought as well.

[Annikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3- If you're looking for something that would give you a very general understanding of Chinese history, a framework that helps to order existing bits of knowledge/provide a structure to support further reading, this is a decent place to start. It is an overview that covers 2000+ years, so there's not much detail. That's OK. But what's up with the editing? Often, information is repeated as if it hadn't been given a few pages ago. Once, the information is actually repeated word-for-word in the next paragraph. Sometimes, things are introduced as if we should already be familiar with them, even though they have not been mentioned before. Sometimes the text has gotten so jumbled that it's difficult to tell to whom it's referring to. This almost ruined the book for me and it's a pity, as the writing is otherwise clear and the balance between names/numbers/events/analysis pretty well judged. Just sort out the editing and add a few maps - I had to constantly google things like "Luoyang" and "Han dynasty territory".

[Elzbieta Rudzewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book suffers from the fact it tries to explain almost 3000 years of history in less than 300 pages. It leads to certain characters showing up only for one or two sentences before suffering gruesome end, and even the ones that are explored a bit more, usually don't occupy more than 2 pages in total. As I was entering the realm of China's history for the first time it left me quite confused who is who or what time we're in.
I'm guessing if I have had some previous knowledge it would have been a bit easier to follow.

Also, two things I have against the book: one is that sometimes the text from the end of one chapter is repeated even word for word at the beginning of another.
Second great fault, is that the book doesn't contain a single map. As geography has always been my Achilles heel and that on a good day I need to make double sure which side is right and left not having a visual help and only being told 'southwest of Xi'an' was basically talking to me in foreign language.

[Alfie Yee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What dawns on you when reading this book is that humankind rarely learns from its lessons. The reality is the ancient Emperor and rulers of China were constantly undone by either megalomania, family betrayal or excesses that consumed the Chinese nation. After a while reading the book the names of the emperors become a blur and what remains is the familiar circle of events.
Really encourage Donald Trump to read this book as it shows the inevitable path of a globalised and connect world. Trying to resist it and not manage it well will eventually lead to he demise of the empire like the Qing empire.
An overall tough read but glad I did it.

[Book Grocer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchase Dragon Throne here for just $10!

For anyone who wants a primer on Imperial China, this book provides an excellent overview. Telescoping every dynasty since the Qin into one book while still making it readable is no easy task, but Jonathan Fenby manages to capture all the salient details with clarity, verve, and breathtaking scope. If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head in front of a Ming vase or terracotta soldier, this book will clear things up in no time.

Steph - The Book Grocer

[Jef Verstraete · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction and overview of the history of the chinese empire with a focus on all the emperors that ruled a united china.

One problem is that because this is not a large book, not much attention can be given per emperor and because of that you'll likely to forget them within the next few pages.

One problem for my book edition is that it didnt come with a single map, and i think thats a pretty big mistake for books like this.

Despite that i really enjoyed reading it. People who know a lot about chinese history might not get much out of this book but as a first introduction it is pretty great.

[Gabriel Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book

Another excellent book by Fenby. This is a brief overview of China's Emperors, dynasty by dynasty. But it is not merely a recitation of facts reign by reign, it also outlines larger and longer trends in Chinese history. A very pleasant introduction to a fascinating topic, only slightly marred by sloppy proofreading.

[Rob Manthey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good introduction to the history of imperial China. It can be a bit dry and repetitive ("this dynasty flourished until a period of instability encroached," etc.). Sections copied from one chapter verbatim into the next make me think the editor might need to take another look!

[Tobias Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a useful book to begin with as someone unfamiliar with Chinese history. It required a lot of concentration to keep up though- which is to be expected when covering millennia in 260 pages. All in all a decent and comprehensive read.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good comprehensive book, the writing style became slightly jumbled at the end. Encompasses a huge amount of history in a very succinct way and provides great insight into the history of China and and it’s empires

[Gabriel Gale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful as a co0mpact narrative of a vast subject, but short on analysis, poorly written and badly edited.

[Michael Gerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This concise volume presents all of China's dynasties.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better as a reference book than as a sit-down-&-read-history book.

[SLAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. This is more the pop history, less than deep scholarship. Reads faster than the latter, but could have benefited from pictures and maps to ground the people/places.

[ANURADHA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must-read if you're even remotely interested in the history of a certain major Asian empire! It brilliantly covers such a massive span of time, introducing you to all the key figures and their eras. The author does an amazing job of making complex history feel accessible and engaging. I learned so much and found myself completely hooked from start to finish.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

China has had a storied imperial history led by men who could be either complete despots, incompetent or benevolent. This book explores the men and woman who held the title Emperor from the first emperor right up to the collapse of the imperial system. Though interesting, I felt that the author could have delved deeper into the history of dynastic rule in China