New York Times Book Review. "A magisterial work... This magnificent biography methodically demolishes every pillar of Mao's claim to sympathy or legitimacy... A triumph." Robert Service, Evening Standard A brilliant portrait of...
See more »
New York Times Book Review. "A magisterial work... This magnificent biography methodically demolishes every pillar of Mao's claim to sympathy or legitimacy... A triumph." Robert Service, Evening Standard A brilliant portrait of ruthless ruler who abused his subordinates, his party and the Chinese people. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Jonathan Mirsky, Independent What Chang and Halliday have done is immense and surpasses, as a biography, all that has gone before. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Max Hastings, Sunday Telegraph A savage indictment...to blow away the miasma of deceit and ignorance which still shrouds Maos life from many Western eyes. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. The Herald 'This explosive biography presents a compelling portrait of one of the most evil dictators ever to have ruled.' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Alastair Mabbot, The Herald, The Guide 'An irresistible, revelatory read.' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. The Sunday Times 'A great and ghastly read.' --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Product Description 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. From the Publisher The most authoritative life of Mao ever written, by the bestselling author of Wild Swans and her husband About the Author Jung Chang is the author of the award-winning Wild Swans. Jon Halliday is a former Senior Visiting Research Fellow at King's College, University of London. He has written or edited eight previous books.
See less »
Kaboodle will send you a newsletter and updates from your friends. You can unsubscribe at any time. Kaboodle does not sell or share your email address or personal information with anyone.
Kaboodle requires all users to provide their real date of birth as both a safety precaution and as a means
of preserving the integrity of the site. You will be able to hide this information from your profile if you wish.
Added by 1 people