The Last Empress: The She-Dragon of China

Acknowledgements.

Cast of major characters.

Maps.

Introduction.

Timeline.

No joy shall be equal...

The coming of the Manchu.

Concubine, third class.

The Great Within.

Rebels and foreign devils.

The Emperor flees.

Acts of barbarism.

Silent conspiracy.

An auspicious beginning.

Death of a favourite.

The Emperor's 'good fortune'.

Slicing the melon.

When a bird is dying.

'Retirement'.

Rebel Emperor.

Coup and countercoup.

Self-strengthening.

The Righteous Harmonious Fists.

Siege at Beijing.

Flight ... and return.

Reluctant departure.

Epilogue.

Postscript.

References and notes.

Bibliography.

Index.