Review: From Peasant to Emperor The Life of Liu Bang i

Victor Cunrui Xiong's From Peasant to Emperor The Life of Liu Bang is a crossbreed of fact and fiction, which the author describes as a “faction.”

Differentiated from many historical fiction novels, Xiong does not play fast and loose with the facts and, as he mentions in the Author's Note, he draws heavily on the traditional or primary sources, while making sure that all the characters, place names and significant events are real. He deftly describes with enough details to satisfy those readers that prefer their history lightly spritzed with fiction. As a result, what we have is an authoritative work of impressive energy and academic integrity that provides readers with a vivid portrait of the founder and first Emperor of the Han dynasty, Liu Bang who reigned from 202-195 BCE. Incidentally, he was the first person who came from humble origins ever to rule China.

Xiong divides his novel of epic scope into three parts, early life, and pre- Bang succession, wars of succession and his life as Emperor. All of this is held together with rich images and vivid scenes of the uprisings, civil wars, and portraits of characters who participated in these events that ultimately led to Bang's founding of the longest dynasty in Chinese history and the uncontested ruler of the whole of China.

As mentioned by the author, Liu's claim to eternal fame lies in two significant facts, his defeating his rivals in a brutal civil war and his rise from the lowly rank of a peasant to become a powerful leader, which some writers have described it as a “rags to riches” story.

You may ask what made Liu “tick” and how did he rise to the position he had attained? In the Epilogue Xiong succinctly sums it up by stating that “he was second to none when it came to spotting talented men. He would appoint them to high office regardless of whether they were lowly peasants or members of the aristocracy. And he was exceptionally generous and open-minded. He was never stingy in giving out awards and was always ready to adopt new changes.” I guess you can say he recognized the perfect formula for leadership and the traits that makes one successful no matter what is his or her calling in life.

What is admirable about the bio is its fascinating romp, in which actual events are cleverly intertwined with the author's attempt, as he states in his notes at the beginning of the book, to provide missing links that help to explain the causes of certain events, motivations, and results of these events. Furthermore, he effectively balances plot theme and structure with his clever use of drama and animated sketches of these events that encourage readers to more fully explore the era that preceded the Liu's dynasty as well as its aftermath.

With haunting insight, Xiong explores the complexity of the road followed by Liu to his becoming Emperor. He skilfully reproduces the assorted ambitious rivalries, the wide-spread intrigue, the peasant uprisings, murder, double-dealings, and the brutalities of war. As you can well imagine, what we have here is quite a saga, or perhaps you may even describe it as a soap opera that would make an excellent television series.

To be honest, before picking up a copy of this book, I was unfamiliar with Liu's story, who many claim to be the most famous person in Chinese history. When you think about it and considering his achievements such as laying the foundations for China's political unity, social cohesion and economic growth for almost two millennia, you can well understand why it is befitting to consider Liu one of the great figures of world history. It was the British historian, Alfred Toynbee who best sums it up when he asserts: “The two most far-sighted and influential political figures in the history of mankind are Caesar, who founded the Roman Empire, and Liu Bang, who founded the Han Empire.” You have to admit this is quite a tribute and well merited.

Follow Here To Read Norm's Interview With Victor Cunrui Xiong