Chinese Concubines

Chinese Concubines
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Chinese Concubines
Annotated Bibliography
Primary sources
Bickers, Robert. "The Scramble for China: Foreign Devils in the Qing Empire, 1832-1914." Penguin Books, 2018.
In his book, Robert Bickers analyzes the intricate connections between China and the foreign nations that attempted to control it in the late Qing dynasty. Bickers investigates the economic, political, and societal elements that precipitated the "scramble for China" and delivers a refined interpretation of the various methods that foreign powers engaged with Chinese customs and traditions. This publication constitutes a significant addition to the study of Chinese history and its interface with the global community.
Chen, Haixia. "The Politics of Concubinage in Ming-Qing China: Women's Agency in the Imperial Harem." Modern Asian Studies, vol. 52, no. 1, 2018, pp. 197-225.
Chen Haixia's article delves into the politics surrounding concubinage in China's Ming-Qing era. Her study focuses on the women's agency within the imperial harem. She posits that the concubines were not merely passive participants. Still, instead, they actively employed their sexuality, intelligence, and social connections to promote their interests and families. Chen's research offers a novel viewpoint on the power and gender dynamics within the imperial harem.
Cheng, Jie. "A Concubine for the Family: A Family Saga of the Song Dynasty." Amazon Crossing, 2019.
Jie Cheng's literary work recounts a juvenile female coerced into becoming a concubine by her destitute relatives in 12th-century China. The story documents her challenges and accomplishments as she manoeuvres through the Song dynasty's complex and frequently violent milieu, delivering a striking and captivating portrayal of existence in pre-modern China. Cheng's creation constitutes a significant addition to the historical fiction category and presents an extraordinary outlook on the circumstances encountered by women during the Song dynasty.
Jiang, Yonglin. "The Sexual Politics of the Late Ming Court." Harvard University Press, 2022.
In his book, Yonglin Jiang presents a novel outlook on the sexual politics of the late Ming dynasty by emphasizing how gender and sexuality were utilized as instruments of influence and control within the imperial court. Through an exhaustive examination of various sources, Jiang thoroughly studies the sexual politics during this era, ultimately presenting an original and stimulating interpretation of this captivating period in Chinese history.
Kim, Hyun Jin. "The Harem: The World Behind the Veil." Yale University Press, 2018.
Hyun Jin Kim's book offers a thorough and approachable overview of harems' historical and cultural significance in various regions, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. The author explores multiple subjects, such as the harem's political landscape, the daily lives of women residing within it, and its cultural and social importance within distinct communities. This text is valuable for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of gender, sexuality, and power throughout different societies' histories.
Liu, Xinru. "The Concubine's Children: Imperial China's Urbanization, 1700-1900." University of California Press, 2018.
Liu Xinru's book investigates the influence of imperial concubinage on the urbanization process in China during the period of 1700-1900. The author posits that this practice was responsible for attracting many migrants to the capital, ultimately leading to the expansion of urban centres and the emergence of a distinct urban culture. By examining the interplay between social customs, cultural practices, and urbanization, Liu's research offers an innovative perspective on Chinese history.
Lu, Li. "The Manchu Way: The Eight Banners and Ethnic Identity in Late Imperial China." Stanford University Press, 2019.
In Lu Li's publication, he delves into the impact of the Eight Banners on the development of ethnic identity during the late imperial era in China. Originating from the Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty, the Eight Banners served as a set of military and administrative units. According to Lu, they were instrumental in shaping the identity of the Han Chinese population and the Manchu rulers. Through his research, Lu provides insight into the intricate connections between political power, identity, and ethnicity throughout Chinese history.
Ropp, Paul S. "China in World History." Oxford University Press, 2019.
Paul Ropp's book presents a comprehensive account of the history of China, spanning from its earliest days to the present era, with a particular focus on its interactions with various cultures and civilizations. Rather than simply examining China's internal developments, Ropp's work elucidates the influence that China has exerted on and been shaped by the world at large. As a result, it offers a valuable introduction to the central themes and controversies within the study of Chinese history. Although it is written for a broad readership, the book is easy to follow and engaging, making...