The Life of Mao

"Indispensable to understanding the inseparable relationship between Mao and events in China over the last century. What's more, it's fascinating reading."

- Chicago Sun-Times


"Journalistic yet authoritative . . . lively and readable . . . insightful in . . . unraveling Mao's contradictions."

ñ The New York Times


"An illuminating full-length portrait . . ."

ñ Los Angeles Times


"Ross Terrill, probably this country's preeminent writer on China, has . . . given us a whole man to replace the two-dimensional representation . . ."

- Boston Globe


Everyone who came into close contact with Chinese dictator Mao Zedong was surprised at his personal habits. He would stay up much of the night, sleep during the day, and would sometimes remain awake for thirty-six hours or more, until he finally collapsed. Yet many who met Mao were impressed by his intellectual reach, originality, and kindness. It would seem difficult to reconcile these two views of Mao. But there was no divide between Mao the man and Mao the leader. This insightful biography by China scholar Ross Terrill provides a comprehensive account of this powerful and polarizing figure.