Preface

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. Tables, Maps, and Illustrations vii
4. Preface xi
5. Note on Ages, Dates, and Other Conventions xix
6. Chronology xxi
7. Cast of Characters xxiii
8. Genealogy of the Song Emperors and Empresses xxix
9. I Learning to Rule, 1082–1108
10. 1 Growing Up in the Palace, 1082–1099 3
11. 2 Taking the Throne, 1100 38
12. 3 Trying for Balance, 1101–1102 71
13. 4 Choosing the Reformers, 1102–1108 98
14. II Striving for Magnificence, 1102–1112
15. 5 Placing Faith in Daoism, 1100–1110 131
16. 6 Embracing and Revitalizing Tradition 159
17. 7 Welcoming Masters and Experts 186
18. 8 Crafting an Image as an Artist 219
19. III Anticipating Great Things, 1107–1120
20. 9 Pursuing the Monumental 243
21. 10 Finding Plea sure in Court and Palace Life 284
22. 11 Working with Councilors 317
23. 12 Accepting Divine Revelations, 1110–1119 343
24. 13 Allying with Jin 372
25. IV Confronting Failure, 1121–1135
26. 14 Adjusting to Military Setbacks, 1121–1125 395
27. 15 Abdicating the Throne, 1125–1126 421
28. 16 Losing Everything, 1126–1127 449
29. 17 Enduring Captivity, 1127–1135 475
30. Afterword 505
31. Appendix A: Reasons for Rejecting Some Common Stories about Huizong and His Court 517
32. Appendix B: Huizong’s Consorts and Their Children 529
33. Timeline 531
34. Notes 543
35. References 599
36. Chinese Character Glossary 637
37. Index 649