Qin Shi Huang: The Lone Star Shining Over Qin is an authoritative historical work that takes an in-depth look at Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of the Ages. From a broad historical perspective, it recreates the sweeping journey from his time as a hostage in Zhao to his unification of the realm and the founding of the Qin Empire, while revealing the complex truth behind his mixed legacy of achievements and failings.
Tracing Qin Shi Huang’s life, the book vividly recounts how, after ascending the throne at thirteen and taking personal control of the government at twenty-two, he put down Lao Ai, dismissed Lü Buwei, reclaimed power, and pursued the grand ambition of allying with distant states and attacking nearby ones, sweeping away the Six States and unifying the realm. The author not only portrays his far-reaching vision, exceptional courage, and skill at recognizing and employing talent, but also objectively examines his stubbornness and harsh laws in the later years of his rule, revealing the historical inevitability of the Qin dynasty’s rise and decline.
A pretty good book