History of China: The An Shi Rebellion
Yi Zhongtian’s *History of China: The An Shi Rebellion* offers a gripping narrative of the Tang Dynasty’s rise, peak, and catastrophic collapse. Starting with Emperor Xuanzong’s ambitious early reign—where shrewd chancellors Yao Chong and Song Jing built the prosperous Kaiyuan Era—the book traces how imperial complacency, corrupt officials like Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong, and the rise of warlord An Lushan sparked the devastating An Shi Rebellion. Beyond the conflict, it explores the Tang’s chaotic final decades: eunuch control of the military, regional warlords (fanzhen) defying central authority, and bitter court factionalism. Woven into the political drama are insights into Tang poetry, showing Li Bai’s bold verses mirrored the dynasty’s glory, while Du Fu’s somber works reflected its unraveling. This book reveals how a once-mighty empire fell apart, offering a vivid look at power, corruption, and cultural transformation in ancient China.