
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.

Emperor Kinmei
Japan
539–571

Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou
China
560–578

Justinian I
Rome
527–565

Pope John III
Papacy
561–574
Xiao Kui
China
562–585

Xiao Cha
China
555–562
Emperor Wucheng of Northern Qi
China
561–565

Sophia
Rome
565–578

Justin II
Rome
565–574

Pope Pelagius I
Papacy
556–561
Gao Wei
China
565–577
Emperor Xiaozhao of Northern Qi
China
560–561
Emperor Fei of Northern Qi
China
559–560
Xiao Zhuang
China
557–560
Emperor Ming of Northern Zhou
China
557–560
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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