Mao - by Lee Feigon (Paperback)

About the Book

Mr. Feigon argues that the movements for which Mao is almost universally condemned today-the Great Leap Forward and especially the Cultural Revolution-were in many ways beneficial for the Chinese people. While not glossing over Mao's mistakes, he contends that the Chinese lead...

Book Synopsis

Mr. Feigon argues that the movements for which Mao is almost universally condemned today-the Great Leap Forward and especially the Cultural Revolution-were in many ways beneficial for the Chinese people. While not glossing over Mao's mistakes, he contends that the Chinese leader should be largely praised for many of his later efforts. In reevaluating Mao's contributions, this interpretive study reverses the curve of criticism. Feigon performs a service by reclaiming the historical context of Mao's crazed era. He has written a concise work that forces the reader to recall the circumstances that abetted Mao's reign. -Far Eastern Economic Review

Review Quotes

"A controversial biography with provocative arguments." --Booklist

"In a study bound to provoke controversy, Feigon makes his arguments lucidly.... Readers will find his new summary...helpful." --American Historical Review

"Thoughtful and thought-provoking reinterpretation that examines both his colorfully eventual life and the lasting effects of his ideals upon his nation and upon the world community." --Wisconsin Bookwatch

"An interesting and accessible reinterpretation of existing knowledge. Expertly summarizes the life of a shining example in that category of human being now extinct as the dodo bird." --Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

About the Author

Lee Feigon's earlier books, China Rising (on the Tiananmen Square uprising) and Demystifying Tibet, were widely praised for their authoritative presentation. Mr. Feigon is professor of East Asian Studies at Colby College, and lives in Waterville, Maine, and Winnetka, Illinois.