Deng is a giant in modern history. There are a huge number of biographies and articles written about him. He almost single-handedly set China on its modernization course that has turned it into an economic and political powerhouse. As "grand ultimate leader" etc of China in one way or another for the 21 years after Mao's death until 1997 when he died, he steered China towards economic greatness. His own selected works are here for our study and are full of not only historical information on the modernization of China, but also provide excellent models of rhetoric, diplomacy, philosophical thought, economic principles and national planning. The book was compiled by scholars who edited his speeches and writings to select those most educational for the new generation of Chinese, to learn from. Thus the book is supposed to function as inspiration, indoctrination, advice, vision, as a model of expression and as literature in its own right. Of course, volume III, the largest compilation of his works, covering from 1982 until 1992, is the "real deal" when it comes to studying his thought, because it is in this period that he had fully consolidated his power and was absolute ruler. Volumes I and II trace his writings first under the reign of Mao, who's ideas he of course had to follow, and secondly in the aftermath of Mao's death when Deng had to consolidate his power. Only in volume III, which is by far the largest of the three anyways, do we witness his full theories, and their full implementation and results. Just as Deng constantly advises us to "seek truth from facts" as his predecessor Mao reiterated many times, so we should "seek truth from facts" about Deng by reading his own writings! This book is absolutely indispensable for the study of Deng and modern China. His thought, contained in his books, is a required university course for all Chinese. His thought is also written into the constitution of China as one of four steering policies of the country. I can't imagine someone interested in modern China not reading this book. It is also an excellent education in politics, discussion and speechmaking for those of us involved in any kind of work where these three skills come in handy. So, whether you are interested in China or interested in politics, this book is essential reading.
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