Keith McMahon Libros

This cross-cultural study delves into the contrasting views of opium users and non-users from China and the Euro-West, highlighting the tension between cultural perceptions and the realities of opium consumption. It examines the societal implications of opium, including its impact on Chinese financial systems and the shift from Confucianism to Christianity. The book also investigates early Western accounts of opium smoking, debates over its legalization, and its representation in 19th-century Chinese literature, showcasing diverse social interactions surrounding this complex topic.

Focusing on polygamous emperors and women rulers in Chinese history, the book offers a comprehensive examination of royal domestic life. Drawing from extensive research, it presents a lively narrative that highlights the unique dynamics and cultural practices within palaces. This authoritative resource is essential for anyone interested in the intricacies of historical Chinese governance and the roles of women in power.

This volume completes McMahon's acclaimed history of imperial wives and royal polygamy in China. Avoiding the stereotype of empresses and imperial concubines as mere victims or playthings, this book considers them as full- fledged participants in palace life, whether as mothers, wives, or go-betweens in the emperor's relations with others.