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Title: More a history book than a biography
Review: People expecting to find a straightforward biography will be surprised by the lack of solid material on the Empress Dowager. Instead 'Dragon Lady' is a detailed history book containing important events in China that led to the fall of the Manchu empire. The huge cast of characters described by Seagrave can be daunting at times but with a little effort, it is a rewarding read and gives a vivid picture of life in 19th century China for both the Chinese and the foreigners living there at the time.Seagrave makes a good effort at uncovering the motivations behind the Manchu government and the Western powers, and the truth is unsettling to say the least. Anyone who reads this will get a good understanding as to why the current Chinese government mistrusts the West so much.
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