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Michael Lynch presents an engaging and thorough account of Mao's life and politics, making use of a wealth of primary and secondary sources. He locates Maoism in the broader context of twentieth century Chinese history, discussing the development of the Chinese Communist Party, the creation of the People's Republic of China and the Cultural Revolution, and the part played by Mao in the Cold War. Details of Mao's controversial private life as well as his political and philosophical thought add to this diverse picture of the influential leader. This well-written biography will be essential reading to anyone interested in twentieth century China and its most memorable figure.
292 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2017
Michael Lynch, a man who is becoming one of the worst and most discredited historians of all time, has shown himself once more to be an utter fool. The premise of the book is based almost entirely on fabricated research, and many of the claims lack any substantial corroboration. Many of the quotes alleged to have been said by Mao or his confidants have never taken place. Very disappointed in you, Lynch! Please start referencing and citing sources in your 'history' books!
November 20, 2017
Michael Lynch should be BANNED with immediate effect from writing study guides.
1) Lack of citations -- it's hard to make an independent and informed judgement when Lynch does all the work for you. Please reference for the good of everyone.
2) Lack of corroborating sources -- often, the only corroborating source for a Michael Lynch stat is well, another Michael Lynch book. This is not good enough.
3) Fabricated quotations -- as has already been mentioned by another reviewer, Lynch quite enjoys making up his own quotes. Many of these inventions of his verge on the absurd. It is difficult to understand Lynch's motive and/or state of mind in this regard. Rumours have been circulating that Lynch isn't of sound mind for quite some time.
4) The book itself is a dreary read. Dry from the start, there's no real incentive to waft through Lynch's barrage of his false narratives contained within his delusional world.
Lynch, sort yourself out!
1) Lack of citations -- it's hard to make an independent and informed judgement when Lynch does all the work for you. Please reference for the good of everyone.
2) Lack of corroborating sources -- often, the only corroborating source for a Michael Lynch stat is well, another Michael Lynch book. This is not good enough.
3) Fabricated quotations -- as has already been mentioned by another reviewer, Lynch quite enjoys making up his own quotes. Many of these inventions of his verge on the absurd. It is difficult to understand Lynch's motive and/or state of mind in this regard. Rumours have been circulating that Lynch isn't of sound mind for quite some time.
4) The book itself is a dreary read. Dry from the start, there's no real incentive to waft through Lynch's barrage of his false narratives contained within his delusional world.
Lynch, sort yourself out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2017
Quasi-history at its worst -- pathetic!
January 14, 2021
The "not so sufficient" biography of a saviour turned oppressor.
It's too difficult not to idolize mao during his younger days as a revolutionary, he was a well read leader, an idealistic and a good strategist. He fought on multiple fronts against the Japanese imperialism, the kuomintang and also stood vehemently against the growing western influence in China. Even when the Soviet Union turned their back on the CCP and mao in particular, he hold on to his ground and fought. But after the longed-for victory, does the average Chinese find solace in Mao's egalitarian socialist society? Michael Lynch's biography of Mao spanning 335 pages is definitely not the one I would say the best. Especially for one of the prominent 20th century figure like Mao, a biography that can be read in barely 2 or 3 days is not enough to know him with all the subtleties in his life. One may find disappointed with its very little description about cultural revolution and Great leap forward which are supposed to be of great importance in knowing in its entirety. However the book did its job as a general guide to the red emperor's salacious personal life, his heroic revolutionary life and his despotic Administrative life.
It's too difficult not to idolize mao during his younger days as a revolutionary, he was a well read leader, an idealistic and a good strategist. He fought on multiple fronts against the Japanese imperialism, the kuomintang and also stood vehemently against the growing western influence in China. Even when the Soviet Union turned their back on the CCP and mao in particular, he hold on to his ground and fought. But after the longed-for victory, does the average Chinese find solace in Mao's egalitarian socialist society? Michael Lynch's biography of Mao spanning 335 pages is definitely not the one I would say the best. Especially for one of the prominent 20th century figure like Mao, a biography that can be read in barely 2 or 3 days is not enough to know him with all the subtleties in his life. One may find disappointed with its very little description about cultural revolution and Great leap forward which are supposed to be of great importance in knowing in its entirety. However the book did its job as a general guide to the red emperor's salacious personal life, his heroic revolutionary life and his despotic Administrative life.
November 20, 2017
Shame on you, Michael Lynch. A gross misrepresentation of the great Mao Zedong. At numerous occasions Lynch posits opinions which have no factual basis, yet claims the opposite. Hang your head in shame, and prepare to be sent to the gulag!
November 20, 2017
Utter trite. Western propaganda re-hashed and re-packaged for the modern age.
November 20, 2017
Not up to scratch. I'd highly recommend reading the likes of Charles Bettelheim, Mobo Gao, Li Minqi, etc.
November 20, 2017
This book and those like it should be consigned to the dustbin of history.
March 24, 2013
Good overview of Mao's life. A little dry
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews