
Recommended read
China: A History
John Keay
Keay's sweeping narrative from the Shang dynasty to the People's Republic in one readable volume.

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Alfonso VII of Castile
Spain
1126–1157

Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185

Henry II of England
England
1154–1189

Louis VII of France
France
1137–1180

Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214

David I of Scotland
Scotland
1124–1153

Saint Erik
Sweden
1156–1160

Manuel I Komnenos
Rome
1143–1180

Karl Sverkersson
Sweden
1161–1167

Stephen, King of England
England
1135–1141; 1141–1154

John II Komnenos
Rome
1118–1143

Wanyan Liang
China
1150–1161

Emperor Konoe
Japan
1142–1155

Louis VI of France
France
1108–1137
Emperor Xizong of Jin
China
1135–1150

Pope Innocent II
Papacy
1130–1143

Emperor Sutoku
Japan
1123–1142

Henry I of England
England
1100–1135

Malcolm IV of Scotland
Scotland
1153–1165

Emperor Taizong of Jin
China
1123–1135

Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190

Philip of France
France
1129–1131

Pope Eugene III
Papacy
1145–1153
Lothair III
Holy Roman Empire
1133–1137

Emperor Nijō
Japan
1158–1165

Pope Adrian IV
Papacy
1154–1159

Emperor Go-Shirakawa
Japan
1155–1158

Pope Alexander III
Papacy
1159–1181

Pope Honorius II
Papacy
1125–1130
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Recommended read
John Keay
Keay's sweeping narrative from the Shang dynasty to the People's Republic in one readable volume.
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