From the Mongols to the Ming Dynasty: How a Begging Monk Became Emperor of China, Zhu Yuan Zhang

The Ming Dynasty was a brilliant stretch of three centuries of native Chinese rule, during which China's influence left its mark on cultures and societies from Vietnam in the east to the Turks in the west. This history book traces the rise of one exceptional man during turbulent times, Zhu Yuan Zhang. As a destitute peasant with nothing to lose, he started a local rebellion; success built on success. Defeating local warlords, he conquered all the southern part of China, then sent his army north and took the rest. By unifying many Chinese lands, he brought peace and prosperity after a long period of tumult. Zhu Yuan Zhang broke out of a desperate life of poverty to reach the heights, using his intelligence, strength and integrity to win a new opportunity, a bigger battle, a more powerful position at every turn. Building a local rebellion into a great fighting force, he crushed the Yuan Dynasty, where the Mongols ruled, and brought together a large and powerful nation. From the Mongols to the Ming Dynasty is the only English-language popular history book about Zhu Yuan Zhang, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty of China. The author, Chinese scholar Hung Hing Ming, notes the contributions of bold commanders, fearless fighters, wise leaders, and loyal servants who protected the interests and the dignity of their noble lords, illustrating values that underlie traditional Chinese culture. He writes for students of history and Chinese language, business people, and everyone else who wishes to see behind the Great Wall. Illustrations and copious maps> beautifully depict the era and clarify details of the campaigns to unify the rival kingdoms into one stable and powerful country. Read more