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Great Books to Understand the Modern History of China
INFORMATIVE 
Tags: China, History, Books, Politics, Communism, Revolution, Mao Zedong, War
The modern history of China in the 20th century is a tale of war, revolution and peace. From the early 20th century where the last dynasty of China was overthrown to the beginning of the 21st century with China ascending as a world power, no country has experienced as many up and downs. These books paint a personal and vivid portrait of life in China.
| | Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday - A detailed and revisionist version of Mao Zedong's history in China. It charts the life of Mao from his schooling days to his later days as the paramount leader of China. For the first time, the true face of Mao's totalitarian rule in China is exquisitely retold with startling new facts and insights. |
| | Red China Blues by Jan Wong - A coming of age story set in totalitarian China where Mao's personality cult was at it's strongest. Going from blind obedience to Communist rule to witnessing the Tiananmen Square massacre, a very personal story. |
| | Vermilion Gate by Aiping Mu - Ever wondered what life was like for high-ranking Communist officials in China? Follow this breathtaking story as it charts the rise and fall of the author's family in the ranks of Communist China. |
| | Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng - A true story on the horrors and atrocities unleashed by the Cultural Revolution. Includes detailed account of life for political prisoners. |
| | Wild Swans by Jung Chang - The grandfather of novels about China. A sweeping epic told through generations and across the deadly political divide between Communism and the Kuomintang. Classic. |
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