This is one of the most fascinating book about the history of Beijing within the history of China. The book is a collection of chapters about different periods in Beijing's history and the people who were effected, usually negatively. After finished Becker's book, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of depression at history and culture of Beijing (and China) that was destroyed by the Cultural Revolution and the Communists. Becker sprinkles the book with his own insights and his feelings of loss at the destruction of all the history of China/Beijing, which I found both interesting and sad. If anything, City of Heavenly Tranquility caused me to be more interested in China, past and present. ( )

A series of articles rather than a comprehensive history of Beijing by an author who laments the destruction of the old imperial city. ( )