The Death of Woman Wang is a book written by Jonathan Spence and published in 1979. It takes place in 17th century Northern China, in the province of T’an-ch’eng. The book was well-received by critics.
Spence's described events take place in a small county in Northeastern China during the 1600s. The county is poor and tumultuous, riddled with crop failures and exorbitant taxation. Against this background of strife and struggle, the story focuses around multiple characters, including a farmer, a tax-collector, and a miserable wife, as they live out their existences.
The Death of Woman Wang was strongly praised for the in-depth insight it provides into Chinese history. Jonathan Spence is also noted for his other works about Chinese history, including the acclaimed The Search for Modern China.
