Biography of Mao Zedong (Revised Edition)

Author: Triol
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-02-01
Features: The author is a highly influential authority on China studies in the Western world, with deep expertise in Chinese politics, economy, and culture. Upon its publication in the United States, the book caused a great sensation, receiving high praise from over 30 international publications, which hailed it as "the most important work on Mao Zedong in the world."
A guard of Mao Zedong was captivated by witnessing him writing "On Protracted War" in May 1938. Sitting at his desk in a cave, Mao was illuminated by the faint glow of a candlelight on his pale face. He had not slept for two days, had only eaten a little, and used a wet towel to wipe the sweat dripping from his body. A stone was placed beside his notebook, and whenever Mao's arm ached, he would tightly grip the stone to relieve his fingers. Five days later, a stack of draft paper filled with cursive script reflecting Mao's rebellious traits had been completed, while Mao's weight had decreased, and his eyes were bloodshot. When he went for dinner, which had already been reheated for him multiple times, the staff considered it a major victory—the dedication of a politician to writing was truly rare in the world. On the seventh day, Mao suddenly jumped in pain; it turned out that a hole had been burned in the sole of his right shoe by the fire, yet he was still lost in thought. He drank a cup of strong wine and continued writing the last part of "On Protracted War." By the eighth day, he suddenly felt a headache and fainted. After the doctor examined him, he still continued writing. By the ninth day, he finally completed this 50,000-word essay.
Triol's "Biography of Mao Zedong" largely aligns with the views of the Communist Party of China on historical issues. As an outsider, the author's analysis and conclusions also offer insightful perspectives. However, as a Western scholar, the author is influenced by his cultural background and limited by language and access to materials, so some of the book's views may still be somewhat biased.