Born in rural China in 1893, Mao Zedong led his country through "a long-drawn-out adventure in upheaval." In the process, he became one of the monumental figures of the twentieth century. He died in 1976, just as China was entering a détente with the United States. This excellent biography illuminates Mao's family life, his early years as a revolutionary, and his brief paradoxical flirtation with capitalism. Jonathan Spence, author of 11 books on Chinese history, provides both a panoramic portrait of China and a private portrait of the man at the center of so many historic events. Using sources not readily available, he penetrates the complex persona of Chairman Mao to provide an intimate view of a chilling enigma.
"Spence is the best known and most talented historian of China writing in English today . . . displaying an inventive ability to derive both meaning and narrative from episodes of Chinese history that are little known in the West."—Los Angeles Times
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"This book aims to be a pithy summary of a towering 20th century figure, and succeeds. I admit coming to it from a position of extreme ignorance, but I felt Spence very skilfully wove together the public and private lives of Mao in his Chinese political and historical context."
— Mel (4 out of 5 stars)
" A handy, brief summary refresher on Mao. "
— Trei, 2/20/2014" The size of this book is what is appealing. In a relatively short space, Spence manages to encapsulate the life of Mao. I know there are much more detailed biographies out there, but this is pretty objective while not leaving out some of the nastier things that Mao did. "
— Pat, 2/17/2014" Brief little 170 page intro to the guy who modernized, terrorized and launched the largest nation on earth into it's present form. Even now that it's common knowledge that he killed and tortured millions of men, women and children you still see tourists waddling around in Mao t-shirts and in red star caps. Ick. "
— Jamie, 1/25/2014" It was ok. A little unclear at times. It is a very brief overview of his life and ruling. It would be good to brush up on your Chinese history if you want to be able to follow it well. "
— Lyndsey, 1/12/2014" Excellent short overview of his life by a recognized authority on China. "
— John, 1/9/2014" This isn't a difficult read and it was a very good synopsis on how Mao Zedong really had good intentions for China. Yet he became so drunk with power that it took over him. "
— Scott, 1/1/2014" Found this a brief and easily understandable biography of the warped Chinese leader. "
— Chris, 12/9/2013" This book provides too general an overview of Mao's life. Although it is a concise novel for anyone wanting a quick, shallow grasp on his life, which is not always a bad thing. At points it is poorly written. "
— Craig, 9/11/2013" One of the best of the Penguin Lives, and the book that introduced to the superb historian on China, Jonathan Spence. "
— Patrick, 8/28/2013" Short and sweet. Offers more insight into China and the Communist Revolution than Mao himself, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. "
— Kelly, 5/23/2013" I believe Spence is one of the best authors on Asian culture, history, and politics. This book gives you a taste. "
— Kirk, 6/17/2012" Mao is a brief bio of China's most noted Communist. Anyone interest in post WWII Asian history would like this book. The book traces Mao's rise in the Communist party & China's own Civil War. "
— Bob, 7/19/2011" Mostly just facts. No human interest. No romance. "
— Joe, 4/18/2011" Some interesting information about Mao's young life and what influenced him, but a little more party politics than I needed, and not nearly enough into what made Mao a known figure. "
— Sarah, 3/5/2011" Well written; provided a concise biography which was an incentive to continue my research on China. "
— Rebecca, 1/19/2011" Short and sweet. Offers more insight into China and the Communist Revolution than Mao himself, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. "
— Kelly, 12/31/2010" CHAIKU #3: <br/> <br/>Mao was one evil <br/>son of a bitch; why is he <br/>still on my money? "
— Keith, 5/20/2010" The size of this book is what is appealing. In a relatively short space, Spence manages to encapsulate the life of Mao. I know there are much more detailed biographies out there, but this is pretty objective while not leaving out some of the nastier things that Mao did. "
— Pat, 4/12/2010" Mao is a brief bio of China's most noted Communist. Anyone interest in post WWII Asian history would like this book. The book traces Mao's rise in the Communist party & China's own Civil War. "
— Bob, 12/22/2007" Mostly just facts. No human interest. No romance. "
— Joe, 11/20/2007" One of the best of the Penguin Lives, and the book that introduced to the superb historian on China, Jonathan Spence. "
— Patrick, 7/21/2007" This book provides too general an overview of Mao's life. Although it is a concise novel for anyone wanting a quick, shallow grasp on his life, which is not always a bad thing. At points it is poorly written. "
— Craig, 5/16/2007Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.
Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.