"Spence draws upon his extensive knowledge of Chinese politics and culture to create an illuminating picture of Mao. . . . Superb." ( Chicago Tribune ) From humble origins in the provinces, Mao Zedong rose to absolute power, unifying with an iron fist a vast country torn apart...
A renowned expert on Chinese history turns his considerable talent and experience to the life of China's greatest modern leader--the enigmatic, mythologized, often maligned, and still-revered architect of Chinese Communism and the modern Chinese state.