Mao The Unknown Story.

Jung Chang & Jon Halliday

Physical

In Circulation

Jung Chang's Wild Swans was an extraordinary bestseller throughout the world, selling more than 10 million copies and reaching a wider readership than any other book about China. Now she and her husband Jon Halliday have written a groundbreaking biography of Mao Tse-tung.

Based on a decade of research, and on interviews with many of Mao's close circle in China who have never talked before - and with virtually everyone outside China who had significant dealings with him - this is the most authoritative life of Mao ever written. It is full of startling revelations, exploding the myth of the Long March, and showing a completely unknown Mao: he was not driven by idealism or ideology; his intimate and intricate relationship with Stalin went back to the 1920s, ultimately bringing him to power; he welcomed Japanese occupation of much of China; and he schemed, poisoned and blackmailed to get his way. After Mao conquered China in 1949, his secret goal was to dominate the world. In chasing this dream he caused the deaths of 38 million people in the greatest famine in history.

Combining meticulous history with the story-telling style of Wild Swans, this biography makes immediate Mao's roller-coaster life, as he intrigued and fought every step of the way to force through his unpopular decisions. The reader enters the shadowy chambers of Mao's court, and eavesdrops on the drama in its hidden recesses. Mao's character and the enormity of his behaviour towards his wives, mistresses and children are unveiled for the first time.

This is an entirely fresh look at Mao in both content and approach. It will astonish historians and the general reader alike.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Mao's Childhood and Early Life: The book delves into Mao's early life, revealing his impoverished upbringing and early exposure to radical political ideas.

  2. Formation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): It explores Mao's role in the formation of the Chinese Communist Party and his ascent within the party ranks.

  3. Long March: The authors provide insights into the Long March (1934-1935), a significant event in Chinese communist history, and Mao's leadership during this challenging period.

  4. Mao's Relationship with Stalin: The book examines Mao's relationship with Joseph Stalin and the influence of the Soviet Union on Mao's ideology and strategies.

  5. Role in Chinese Civil War: Mao's role in the Chinese Civil War against the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek is thoroughly explored, including his military and political strategies.

  6. Establishment of the People's Republic of China: The biography covers Mao's declaration of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and his consolidation of power as the leader of the new communist state.

  7. Great Leap Forward: The authors critically analyze Mao's Great Leap Forward campaign (1958-1962), a disastrous social and economic experiment that led to widespread famine and millions of deaths.

  8. Cultural Revolution: The book provides an in-depth examination of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) initiated by Mao, a period marked by political purges, mass mobilization, and social upheaval.

  9. Mao's Personality Cult: It discusses the development of Mao's personality cult and the impact it had on Chinese society, politics, and the cult of personality in other communist regimes.

  10. Legacy and Critique: The authors assess Mao's legacy, offering a critical perspective on his leadership, policies, and the lasting impact on China and its people.

Language English
ISBN-10 0224071262
ISBN-13 9780224071260
No of pages 971
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Jonathan Cape
Published Date 02 Jun 2005

About Author

Author : Jung Chang & Jon Halliday

3 Books

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