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Mao

By Jonathan Clements
Series: Life & Times
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Brief Description
A concise and comprehensive biography of Mao Zedong, published to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of his death. A half-century after his death in September 1976, Mao Zedong remains one of history's most polarising figures: a peasant boy who became a revolutionary leader, a general in... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Based on new archival information and startling revelations from his inner circle, Clements offer a clear and accessible portrait of a leader whose persistent influence reminds us why Mao’s story remains essential to understanding the global power dynamics of today.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A concise and comprehensive biography of Mao Zedong, published to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of his death.

A half-century after his death in September 1976, Mao Zedong remains one of history's most polarising figures: a peasant boy who became a revolutionary leader, a general in World War II, and finally the Great Helmsman, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. His legacy is a mix of national liberation and human tragedy. Today, Mao is no static icon on a banknote but the architect of a superpower whose ideas, methods, and personal life are continually re-examined through a modern lens.

This comprehensive biography bridges the gap between the revolutionary and the man without overlooking the events that led to the end of China's Century of Humiliation, the brutal cost of the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution, re-evaluating his "mass line" ideology.

Based on new archival information and startling revelations from his inner circleβ€”including his personal physician, Dr. Li Zhisui, and former nursesβ€”Clements offers a clear and accessible portrait of a leader whose persistent influence reminds us why Mao's story remains essential to understanding the global power dynamics of today.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781914979538

Publisher: Haus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 August 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Haus Publishing

Edition: 2nd Enlarged edition

Illustration: 30 Illustrations, black and white

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 204g

Pages: 224

Collections

Asian History Biography & Memoir Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Jonathan Clements Non-Fiction Political Biographies Politics & Current Affairs Series: Life & Times

About the Author

Jonathan Clements is the author of many books about China, including biographies of Confucius, Empress Wu, and the First Emperor; and histories of Beijing, the Silk Road, and the martial arts. He was the presenter of three seasons of Route Awakening, an award-winning television series for National Geographic about icons of Chinese history and culture, and was formerly a visiting professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University from 2013–19. His most recent books include The Emperor’s Feast: A History of China in Twelve Meals, and Rebel Island: The Incredible History of Taiwan.

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