The Last Manchu cover art

The Last Manchu

The Autobiography of Henry Pu Yi, Last Emperor of China

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The Last Manchu

By: Paul Kramer, Henry Pu Yi
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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About this listen

In 1908, at the age of two, Henry Pu Yi ascended to become the last emperor of the centuries-old Manchu dynasty. After revolutionaries forced Pu Yi to abdicate in 1911, the young emperor lived for 13 years in Peking’s Forbidden City, but with none of the power his birth afforded him. The remainder of Pu Yi’s life was lived out in a topsy-turvy fashion: fleeing from a Chinese warlord, becoming head of a Japanese puppet state, being confined to a Russian prison in Siberia, and enduring taxing labor. The Last Manchu is a unique, enthralling record of China’s most turbulent, dramatic years.

©2010 Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Americas Asia China Historical Japan Military Politicians Politics & Activism United States World War

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Editor reviews

This autobiography of Henry Pu Yi, the last Qing emperor, tells the real-life story of a king in pauper's clothing. A head of state by the time he learned to walk, Pu Yi's shifting fortunes found him deposed, reinstated, jailed for war crimes, and ultimately redeemed, oddly enough, in the eyes of the communist government, while he lived and worked as a commoner. With a voice reminiscent of the great Alec Guinness, Gildart Jackson delivers audiences a tremulous performance, capturing the conflicted nature of the beleaguered emperor. The English actor exudes a regal sophistication, alternately punctured by arrogance and regret as Pu Yi grapples with unlikely turns of fate.

Critic reviews

"Important and fascinating." ( The New York Times)
Most relevant  
Explains a lot but leaves you wondering why people expect someone who has always had special treatment to suddenly comprehend the whys and wherefores of how society works

Very enlightening

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Loved the tone and benevolence of this story, despite the expected distorted behaviour and experiences. Pu Yi seemed very honest about his own contribution to these dark times. I was riveted and listened almost continuously. However there is a suggestion that it isn’t as honest as it seems. Great for those who are Interested in Chinese history or who just love a fascinating tale.

Autobiography of the last Chinese emperor

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From the horse's mouth as it were. The book doesn't linger too long and keeps moving. Henry Pu Yi is quick to acknowledge his faults during his account, and is often refreshingly frank. Though I cannot say if it is accurate or not, it is entertaining. As for the mispronounciation of some names, that may be the case, but it doesn't ruin the whole enterprise unless you let it.

Interesting and well-paced.

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Story told by its protagonist in a personal, non objective and powerful way. A great discover in world history.

Really Good

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This was such a good and interesting audiobook...excellently written and, apart from some pronunciation issues, was very well read...it had me hooked form the beginning.
Having spent some time in North Eastern China many places were familiar to me which made the experience all the more complete. Would highly recommend.

Excellent

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What didn’t you like about Gildart Jackson’s performance?

This man can not pronounce Chinese names. It was an irritant from the beginning that he did not pronounce Cixi's name as 'Tzerchi' he kept calling her 'Sooshe'. It was the same with other Chinese names. This is most disrespectful and very annoying. He also read in a somewhat robotic manner, some expression would have been appreciated.

Pronunciation

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The life of Puyi from start to finish is truly remarkable and this was a great listen - Forbidden City and Revolution, Manchukuo and Japanese collaboration, and then his life in the Peoples Republic of China - the narrator provides life to various characters and pronounces Chinese words and names expertly.

Remarkable Life

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I enjoyed listening to this. The narration is good and pleasant to hear. It's an interesting biography, particularly his experiences of being outside the people's revolution, so I would recommend.

Interesting perspective on Chinese 20th C history.

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life of the last emperor of china is truly interesting. One is still left wondering what did he really think and feel about his later life. Paul Kramer gives interesting contextual information to further understand the situation Pu Yi lived in.

occasionally listener is left feeling like there is more to this story than is said. this book would be better with even more context and more detail.

interesting piece of propaganda

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This was fascinating. Tragic story. This man made many mistakes and at times I really found it hard to sympathise with him BUT he was a victim too. The time he was born into was toxic. The previous generations committed horrendous crimes against their own just to hold into power. He had been taught that he had to continue in that way to hold into his life.

The narrator is very clear and the writer has given plenty of insight and information regarding that period without overloading the listener.

I absolutely recommend this book for its historical and storytelling.

We can't choose our fate

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