China's Forbidden City (2007)

The Center of the World, transports us to the reign of Emperor Yongle in the 15th century, the most cosmopolitan period of the Ming Dynasty. Having usurped the throne, Yongle had to rely on his court eunuchs to administer the Empire. Though robbed of their manhood, the eunuchs rose to occupy the highest posts in the Empire, effectively controlling the centre of the world.

Reign of the Concubine: How a concubine of the Xianfeng emperor rose to become the de-facto ruler of the Qing Dynasty in the latter half of the 19th century. Included: her role in the dynasty's downfall.