Tales of the Qing Dynasty, Part 1

This book takes a hilarious, irreverent look at 296 years of Qing history, telling it in plain language and with plenty of jokes: from Nurhaci launching his campaign with thirteen suits of armor, through the exuberance of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong golden age, to Empress Dowager Cixi's rise to power and the empire's collapse. Packed with comic scenes and delightfully contrasting characters, it avoids stuffy official language and never gets dull. The whole story of a band of Northeasterners conquering the realm, having a great time, and then bringing it all crashing down becomes an easy, memorable history that's perfect to read over a meal and enjoyable for all ages.