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 World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
James VI and I
England
1603–1625
Jahangir I
Mughal Empire
1605–1627
Louis XIII of France
France
1610–1617; 1617–1643
Osman II
Ottoman Empire
1618–1622
Philip III of Spain
Spain
1598–1621
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1619–1637
James VI and I
Scotland
1587–1625
Emperor Go-Mizunoo
Japan
1611–1629
Tokugawa Hidetada
Japan (Shogunate)
1605–1623
Philip III of Spain
Portugal
1598–1621
Pope Paul V
Papacy
1605–1621
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden
Sweden
1611–1632
Meanwhile in history
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
Go deeper on Taichang Emperor
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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