Faded spine with stains to front cover inside good.
Ma Wei Slope: A Novel of the Tang Dynasty by Keith West is a historical novel that delves into one of the most turbulent and intriguing periods of Chinese history, the Tang Dynasty. The story centers around the events leading up to the An Lushan Rebellion, a devastating conflict that weakened the Tang Dynasty and is one of the pivotal points in Chinese history.
The novel follows historical figures, particularly focusing on Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved consort Yang Guifei, whose romance and tragic fate are legendary in Chinese literature and folklore. The title, “Ma Wei Slope,” refers to a specific location linked to Yang Guifei’s tragic death, ordered by the Emperor himself as a political sacrifice during the chaos of the rebellion. West’s narrative brings depth to these figures and explores the cultural, political, and emotional currents that shaped their decisions and ultimately, the fate of the Tang Dynasty.
Through detailed storytelling, West brings to life the intricacies of court politics, the opulence of the Tang capital, Chang’an, and the sense of foreboding that hangs over the empire as the rebellion begins. The book captures the complexity of loyalty, love, and the conflicting interests within an empire at its zenith yet on the verge of collapse.
