A Popular History of China's Dynasties

The Popular History of the Dynasties (12 Volumes) is a monumental work of popular historical fiction written over many years by Cai Dongfan, a celebrated modern-era historical novelist. It covers the full course of Chinese history, from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the late Qing and early Republic. The twelve volumes are The Popular History of the Former Han, The Popular History of the Later Han, The Popular History of the Two Jin Dynasties, The Popular History of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, The Popular History of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, The Popular History of the Five Dynasties, The Popular History of the Song Dynasty, The Popular History of the Yuan Dynasty, The Popular History of the Ming Dynasty, The Popular History of the Qing Dynasty, The Popular History of the Republic of China, and The Founding Strategy of China. Each volume is written in the traditional chapter-and-episode format, with accessible, lively language, tightly plotted stories, and vivid characters. The books depict the rise and fall of historical figures such as Liu Bang, Cao Cao, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhu Yuanzhang, and Kangxi, as well as major events including the Three Kingdoms’ struggle for supremacy, the An Lushan Rebellion, the Jingkang Incident, Qi Jiguang’s campaigns against Japanese pirates, and the Opium Wars. Cai Dongfan grounds his literary storytelling in historical fact, passing judgment on loyalty and treachery, good and evil, condemning corruption, and celebrating heroes. An important work for introducing Chinese history to modern readers and promoting national spirit, it is hailed as a classic introduction to a “history for all.”