Hong Taiji: The Entrepreneurial Emperor, Skilled in Both Letters and Arms

The life of Hong Taiji, the Khan of Later Jin, was spent largely fighting the Ming dynasty. Determined to conquer the Central Plains and unite the realm, he repeatedly rode into battle under a hail of arrows, never shying away from danger. He was an emperor who truly belonged on horseback. Yet he was not a ruler who knew only how to fight and kill. He also achieved much in politics, the economy, and diplomacy. Faithful to historical sources while offering vivid storytelling and a carefully crafted structure, this book brings Hong Taiji to life in all his complexity. It is invaluable for gaining a fresh understanding of Hong Taiji and the defining features of his era. Both general readers and enthusiasts of Qing history will find much to learn from it.