Book Discussion on [The Last Empress]

Hannah Pakula talked about her book [The Last Empress: Madame Chiang Kai-Shek and the Birth of Modern China] (Simon & Schuster; November 3, 2009). Madame Chang Kai-Shek (1897-2003), from an elite family, was a prominent voice for Nationalist China. Following the death of President Chang Kai Shek she returned to the United States where she died at the age of 105. Ms. Paluka talked about writing this biography, comparing it to her previous books, and how she did her research. Ms. Pakula responded to questions from members of the audience. This event at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 7:00 p.m. was co-presented by the Gardner Center for Asian Art & Ideas at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the East Asia Studies Center at the University of Washington, and Elliott Bay Book Company.