Mao: The Unknown Story

By Jung Chang and Jon Halliday

Book Overview

The most authoritative life of the Chinese leader every written, Mao: The Unknown Story is based on a decade of research, and on interviews with many of Mao's close circle in China who have never talked before -- and with virtually everyone outside China who had significant dealings with him. It is full of startling revelations, exploding the myth of the Long March, and showing a completely unknown Mao: he was not driven by idealism or ideology; his intimate and intricate relationship with Stalin went back to the 1920s, ultimately bringing him to power; he welcomed Japanese occupation of much of China; and he schemed, poisoned, and blackmailed to get his way. After Mao conquered China in 1949, his secret goal was to dominate the world. In chasing this dream he caused the deaths of 38 million people in the greatest famine in history. In all, well over 70 million Chinese perished under Mao's rule -- in peacetime.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679746323
• ISBN13: 9780679746324
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Anchor Books
• Length: 864 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Lies

they combine old debunked research with new fake interviews for a profoundly creative work of fiction. worth the buy

Must Read!!

Best history book I've ever read. The story of China's role in the Korean and Vietnam wars alone is worth it. It clearly explains the way tyrants like Mao and Stalin think and act. FASCINATING!

Wow....

1st of all i think that the book was great. 2nd of all id like to point out that previous comments about men wanting to sleep with Mao is disgusting. In some countries you could be seriously punished for acting gay. 3rdly i think most of the reviews saying the book was bad are extremely baised. The people writing them "Worship Mao" and "Only read one page to tell book was bad." You definetly shouldnt allow these people to influcence your opinion about the book they are total Newbz. Mao killed thousands of people. If some of you remember in the early 50's the "Great Leap Forward." Mao killed millions in a forced famine. What a great guy to want to sleep with.

Mao: The Unknown Story

Excellent service, prompt delivery, arrived in condition described. Thanks; I'll be glad to do business with you again.

A good look at recent history

This book is a good look at one of the most vile men in the world. He was the consumate manipulator of other humans. He probably has done more to hurt China than any of the ancient rulers. I question if we will ever know the cost in human lives that this man caused. If you want to understand what happened to China during the latter half of the 20th Century, read this book.