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 Biography Russia War Imperial Japan

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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)
All stars
Most relevant
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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