
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.

Justinian I
Rome
527–565

Emperor Kinmei
Japan
539–571

Pope Pelagius I
Papacy
556–561

Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi
China
550–559

Emperor Wen of Chen
China
559–566
Xiao Zhuang
China
557–560
Emperor Ming of Northern Zhou
China
557–560

Emperor Wu of Chen
China
557–559

Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou
China
560–578
Emperor Gong of Western Wei
China
554–557
Emperor Jing of Liang
China
555–557
Emperor Xiaozhao of Northern Qi
China
560–561
Xiao Yuanming
China
555–555
Emperor Fei of Northern Qi
China
559–560
Emperor Xiaomin of Northern Zhou
China
557–557

Pope Vigilius
Papacy
537–555

Pope John III
Papacy
561–574
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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