Otros libros que te pueden interesar

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  The Qing Dynasty - The Last...

  Jun Liu

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  The Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China, was established in 1644 by the Manchu people, an ethnic group from the northeast of China. The rise of the Qing Dynasty was a result of a combination of military conquest, strategic alliances, and a deep understanding of Chinese traditions. The Manchus, initially a small tribe in what is today known as Manchuria, were able to capitalize on the weakening Ming Dynasty and internal strife within China. This chapter will explore how the Manchu rulers successfully expanded their power and established one of the longest and most influential dynasties in Chinese history. 
  The Manchu people, led by the ambitious and skilled leader Nurhaci, had been unified under his banner in the early 17th century. Nurhaci’s military campaigns in Manchuria helped create a strong foundation for what would later become the Qing Dynasty. After his death in 1626, his son, Hong Taiji, continued to build on his father’s legacy, consolidating power and forming alliances with various Chinese factions. Hong Taiji's strategic foresight helped prepare the Manchus for a successful invasion of China. In 1636, he formally declared the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, marking the official beginning of their imperial rule. 
  By the early 1640s, the Ming Dynasty was in a state of disarray. The empire was plagued by corruption, peasant uprisings, and economic instability. The most notable rebellion was the Li Zicheng-led peasant revolt, which culminated in the fall of the Ming capital, Beijing, in 1644. In this moment of vulnerability, the Manchus, under the leadership of Emperor Shunzhi, seized the opportunity to invade China. The Qing forces entered Beijing and effectively replaced the fallen Ming dynasty, marking the beginning of the Qing rule over China.

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  The Great North Road - London to...

  Steve Silk

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  THE GREAT NORTH ROAD is a journey as satisfying for the armchair traveller as the long-distance cyclist. Enriched with history, humour and insight, it’s a tribute to Britain and the endless appeal of the open road. 
   
  In 1921, Britain’s most illustrious highway, the Great North Road, ceased to exist – on paper at least. Stretching from London to Edinburgh, the old road was largely replaced by the A1 as the era of the motor car took hold. A hundred years later, journalist and cyclist Steve Silk embraces the anniversary as the perfect excuse to set off on an adventure across 11 days and 400 miles. Travelling by bike at a stately 14 miles per hour, he heads north, searching out milestones and memories, coaching inns and coffee shops. Seen from a saddle rather than a car seat, the towns and the countryside of England and Scotland reveal traces of Britain’s remarkable past and glimpses of its future. Instead of the familiar service stations and tourist hotspots, Steve tracks down the forgotten treasures of this ancient highway between the two capitals. 
  "Weaving the history of the old road with the colour and the characters of today, Steve proves that any journey is an adventure if you know where to look." - ALASTAIR HUMPHREYS

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  Hoysala Empire - The...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Hoysala Empire was one of the most influential dynasties in South Indian history, known for its patronage of art, culture, and architecture. Flourishing between the 10th and 14th centuries, the empire left an indelible mark on the Deccan region, particularly in present-day Karnataka. The Hoysalas emerged as a powerful force after the decline of the Western Chalukyas, establishing their capital first at Belur and later at Halebidu. Their rule was characterized by military conquests, administrative efficiency, and an enduring legacy of architectural splendor that continues to captivate historians and art enthusiasts. 
  The origins of the Hoysala dynasty are traced to a chieftain named Sala, who, according to legend, was instructed by a Jain monk to kill a tiger that was attacking them. This act of bravery led to the adoption of the royal emblem depicting a warrior slaying a tiger, symbolizing the valor of the Hoysala rulers. Over the centuries, the dynasty expanded its influence through strategic alliances and military campaigns, gaining control over vast territories in the Deccan. Prominent rulers such as Vishnuvardhana and Veera Ballala II played a crucial role in consolidating the empire and fostering a rich cultural heritage. 
  A significant aspect of Hoysala rule was its deep connection with religious and artistic traditions. The dynasty was known for its support of Hinduism, Jainism, and, to some extent, Buddhism, leading to the construction of numerous temples and religious institutions. These temples were not just places of worship but also centers of learning and artistic expression. The Hoysalas employed skilled artisans and sculptors who developed a distinctive architectural style, characterized by intricate carvings, star-shaped temple layouts, and finely detailed sculptures depicting gods, celestial beings, and mythological narratives.

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  Taisho Era - Democracy and...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Taisho Era (1912–1926) marked a period of transition in Japan, bridging the highly centralized and authoritarian rule of the Meiji period with the growing democratic movements that characterized the early 20th century. Emperor Taisho ascended to the throne following the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912. Unlike his predecessor, who had been a strong and active ruler, Emperor Taisho was frail and suffered from chronic illness, which significantly limited his ability to govern. As a result, political power gradually shifted away from the emperor and toward elected officials and political parties, paving the way for what would become known as "Taisho Democracy." 
  At the dawn of the Taisho Era, Japan stood at a crossroads between tradition and modernization. The country had rapidly industrialized during the Meiji period, transforming from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. However, with this modernization came social and political unrest. As Japan’s economy expanded, so too did the urban population, leading to the rise of a new middle class that demanded greater political participation and social change. The oligarchic rule of the genrō—elder statesmen who had dominated Meiji politics—faced increasing pressure from political parties, intellectuals, and the general public. 
  The political landscape of early Taisho Japan saw significant changes, including the growing influence of elected politicians. The 1912–1913 Taisho Political Crisis was a defining moment in this shift. When Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi refused to increase military funding, the army resigned in protest, forcing him to step down. This led to widespread public outrage and a movement advocating for the power of elected officials over military and oligarchic influence. In 1913, the Katsura Tarō government collapsed due to public demonstrations, highlighting the rising political consciousness of the people.

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  Terra Incognita - Probing the...

  John Harpoon

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  To document the unknown is to navigate a delicate and often treacherous path. It is an undertaking that demands curiosity and courage, tempered by discipline and respect for the subject at hand. When the unknown takes the form of a remote, enigmatic island, the challenges multiply, and the journey becomes as much about understanding ourselves as it is about uncovering the mysteries of the place. 
  One of the primary obstacles is the inherent unpredictability of the venture. An island untouched by mainstream exploration holds its secrets tightly. Its terrain might defy navigation, its climate could shift without warning, and its ecosystems may present risks to even the most prepared. In such circumstances, even the best-laid plans can unravel, requiring constant adaptation. To face these uncertainties is to embrace the idea that success is not guaranteed, and setbacks are part of the process. 
  Another challenge lies in balancing observation with interpretation. A place this unique invites wonder and speculation, but separating fact from fiction is essential. Legends, often steeped in cultural heritage, must be approached with sensitivity, while scientific observations require rigorous validation. There is always the temptation to romanticize the unknown, but doing so risks misrepresenting the truth. The challenge, then, is to honor both the scientific integrity of the exploration and the intangible allure that makes the island so captivating.

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  Furnace of the Lord -...

  Elisabeth Elliot

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  This is a book written nearly 60 years ago of Elisabeth’s reflections on the trip she made to Israel just three months after the 1967 Six-Day Arab-Israeli War. With input from many there, Elisabeth takes the reader/listener on a journey of perspective.

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