Mao: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Mao Zedong was a giant of 20th century history. This Very Short Introduction chronicles Mao's journey from peasant child to ruler of the most populous nation on Earth. Delia Davin provides an invaluable portrait of Mao, showing him in all his complexity--ruthless, brutal, and ambitious, a man of enormous talent and perception, yet a leader who is still detested by some and venerated by others.

Delia Davin is Emeritus Professor of Chinese Studies at Leeds University. She is the author of several books on revolutionary and contemporary China. Her abiding interest in Mao Zedong and the history of Maoist China was inspired by her experience of living in Beijing.