Mao: A Very Short Introduction ISBN 9780199588664

Mao Zedong was a giant of 20th century history. In this Very Short Introduction, Delia Davin provides an account of Mao the man. From his childhood as a peasant to ruler of the most populous nation on Earth, she considers the major events in his life, his revolutionary writing, and his utopian dreams that culminated in the Cultural Revolution. Ideal for anyone wishing to know more about one of the most defining figures of the 20th century Asian history Fascinating story of Mao’s life – from his childhood to his time as leader of China Considers Mao the man as well as Mao the leader – exploring the major events in his life and his revolutionary writings Examines the events that led to the Cultural Revolution and its historical impact Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series – over five million copies sold worldwide   About the Series: Oxford’s Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects–from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative–yet always balanced and complete–discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.