Synopsis
China Under Communism examines how Marxism took root, flourished and developed within the context of an ancient Chinese civilization.
Through analysis of China's history and traditional culture, the author explores the nature of Chinese communism and how it has diverged from the Soviet model. This book also provides insight into the changing perceptions Westerners have of the Chinese, and vice versa.
Key features include:
* assessment of controversial issues: The Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and Mao's record
•coverage of gender and family, ethnicity, nationalism, and popular culture
•long historical context.
This timely evaluation details how China's political and economic policies have been inextricably linked, and assesses past failures and successes, as well as major problems for the future.
Booknews
The author examines the history of the Chinese Communists since their accession to power in 1949, beginning with the initial problems facing the Communists at home and abroad, the early successes of the new regime, and how Mao's Marxism was replaced by more pragmatic policies. He also covers the changing relationships with the Soviet Union and the US, the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, the rise of market forces under Deng Xiaoping, and problems faced in the process of modernization. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)