Front cover image for Mao : the unknown story

Mao : the unknown story

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 1920's, ultimately bringing him to power; he welcomed Japanese occupation of much of China; and he schemed, poisoned and blackmailed ot 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. In all, well over 70 million Chinese perished under Mao's rule - in peacetime. Combinign meticulous history with a story-telling style, 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 evesdrops on the drama in its hidden recesses. Mao's character and the enormity of his behaviour towards his wivs, mistresses and children are unveiled for the first time. This is an entirely fresh look at Mao in both content and approach and will astonish historieans and the general reader alike
Print Book, English, 2006
Vintage, London, 2006
History
971 pages, 32 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, portraits, maps ; 20 cm
9780099499244, 009949924X
271838158
List of Illustrations
List of Maps
List of Abbreviations in Text
Note about Spelling in Text
PART ONE - Lukeworm Believer
PART TWO - Long March to Supremacy in the Party
PART THREE - Building his Power Base
PART FOUR - To Conquer China
PART 5 - Chasing a Superpower Dream
PART SIX - Unsweet Revenge
Epilogue
Acknowledgements - -List of Interviewees
Archives Consulted
Notes
Bibliography of Chinese-language Sources
Bibliography of Non-Chinese-language Sources
Index
Originally published: Jonathan Cape, 2005
Includes index