The Self – Portrait of K'ang-Hsi is a work unlike any other that a typical reader could expect to encounter. It is both educational and exciting, incorporating many elements such as morality, history, and wisdom, that when combined, stun the reader into admiration for one of China's greatest emperors. The Emperor Of China is a beautifully written masterpiece both on the part of the author K'ang-Hsi and the editor Jonathan Spence. The book takes its readers into the 17th century China, presenting them with the Chinese way of life as well as the Chinese culture in general. The way in which K'ang-Hsi presents his thoughts, victories, and defeats is spectacular to both the old and the young. K'ang-Hsi's self portrait allows the readers to psychologically enter the mind of the great emperor witnessing the true perspectives of his job, as well as evaluating how well he accomplished such an enormous task as ruling an empire for over sixty years. In the words of K'ang-Hsi himse!
             lf, his job was "hard work," two words so simple, yet with such great meaning. Despite the hardships, K'ang-Hsi was able to clearly define and describe his own function as the leader of his country, while performing all crucial tasks with unmatched excellence.
             It is clear to all that summarizing a job of an emperor is not an easy task, since this is the only job that has no limits and extends in all directions and all areas of a fairly large empire. K'ang-Hsi was well aware of that and even pointed out, "I have worked with unceasing diligence and intense watchfulness, never resting, never idle." (Spence, 170) Conceivably the reason for K'ang-Hsi's accomplishments understanding his role as well as carrying it out, were due to his high intellectual standpoint, as well as a virtuous heart. K'ang-Hsi fought wars but knew when to be cruel as
             ...