History in Three Keys
History in Three Keys
Book Brief
428
Book • Nonfiction
China • Early 20th Century
1997
Adult
18+ years
1740L
Super Short Summary
History in Three Keys by Paul A. Cohen examines the Boxer Uprising (1899-1901) from three perspectives—historians, polemicists, and the everyday people who experienced it firsthand. The book details the nationalist and xenophobic roots of the uprising, culminating in violent confrontations between the Boxers and foreign powers, and explores how various groups manipulated its history for political and ideological purposes. The book contains detailed accounts of violence and massacres.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
346 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paul A. Cohen's History in Three Keys excels in intertwining narrative, myth, and historiography, offering a rich, multifaceted analysis of the Boxer Rebellion. While praised for its depth and methodological innovation, some readers find it dense and challenging for those less familiar with the historical context. Overall, it's a compelling academic resource for dedicated scholars.
Who Should Read History in Three Keys?
Readers who appreciate nuanced historical analysis, like in Jonathan Spence’s The Death of Woman Wang, will find History in Three Keys by Paul A. Cohen compelling. It combines narrative history, historiography, and memory studies, appealing to those who enjoy interdisciplinary approaches to understanding historical events.
346 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
History in Three Keys explores the Boxer Rebellion from three distinct perspectives: that of the event itself, its impact on personal narratives, and its evolution as historical interpretation, offering a unique way to view history through multiple lenses.
Paul A. Cohen utilizes an innovative narrative structure in History in Three Keys by interweaving historical analysis, personal experiences, and cultural memory, which has been praised for both its academic rigor and engaging storytelling.
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The book emphasizes the importance of understanding historical events not just through a single narrative, but as complex, multilayered phenomena that are open to various interpretations, reflecting on how history is constructed over time.
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428
Book • Nonfiction
China • Early 20th Century
1997
Adult
18+ years
1740L
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