Emperor Huizong

China was the richest country in the world, yet in 1125 an invasion forced Emperor Huizong out and into captivity; his reign of the Northern Song Dynasty has since been considered a great failure. Ebrey, professor of history and Chinese studies at the University of Washington, questions this notion, arguing that the Emperor’s ousting was, in part, a result of many occurrences that were beyond his control. She showcases the great achievements Huizong made in culture and art: he worked toward administrative and educational reform; he produced poetry, hymns, and paintings that centered on Daoist themes; and he was “an avid builder of temples and gardens.” Ebrey’s depictions of court life are masterfully detailed and she focuses on six grand projects that reflected the Emperor’s range of interests and talents: a new ritual code; a new Daoist canon; visual documentation of auspicious signs; collections of cultural treasures; the Bright Hall; and the Northeast Marchmount. The portrait does not exclude the Emperor’s fall from power, but it depicts Huizong’s acceptance of defeat. While general readers may need more background of the historical period to fully enjoy this account, Ebrey offers comparisons between Chinese royalty and Western monarchies for clarity. Historians will find Ebrey’s text of interest as a revisionist one that appreciates the richness of Chinese traditions. (Jan.)