The Thought of Mao Tse-Tung (Contemporary China Institute Publications)

Contemporary China Institute Publications

by Stuart R. Schram

The most general and probably the most lasting expression of Mao Tse-Tung's contribution to the Chinese revolution was his thought. Stuart Schram's new book examines the unfolding of Mao's ideas, and in doing so sheds new light on other aspects of Mao Tse-Tung's life and times. The author traces the stages in the formation of Mao's thought from the May Fourth period through the Peasant Movement, the long years of armed struggle against the Kuomintang and the Japanese invaders, the foundation of a new state, his efforts to devise a "Chinese road to socialism," the Sino-Soviet split, and the so-called "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution." The author offers a fascinating and sure-footed analysis of Mao's intellectual itinerary, recognizing the positive value of the participatory and anti-bureaucratic thrust of his thought, and of his efforts to link Marxism with Chinese reality. This authoritative text is drawn from Volumes 13 and 15 of The Cambridge History of China, with the addition of a new Introduction and Conclusion written especially for the volume.

Genres: China, Politics, History, Philosophy

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 1987

About the author

Stuart Reynolds Schram was an American physicist, political scientist and sinologist who specialized in the study of modern Chinese politics.

Reviews

[tara bomp]

An excellent history of the variations as well as the continuities in Mao's thought. Somewhat assumes a basic knowledge of Chinese history from the last century but is readable without. Emphasises and illustrates his strong anti-imperialism, belief in the importance of the masses and his inclusion of the peasantry. At the same time provides a good account of his attempts to resolve contradictions in his thought, most notably his belief in the masses and his belief in the importance of central guidance. It doesn't provide a full elucidation of his ideology but this would be impossible given the length and the complexity and changes of his thought - it does an excellent job within its constraints.

Probably my biggest problem is that although the book talks often about his influence from traditional Chinese thought it only gives a few quotes from Mao himself directly relating to it and extrapolates. Although this is understandable, it makes a distinct change from the rest of the commentary about his thought which is generally well sourced from Mao's writings and speeches.

[J.D. Kessey]

Interesting points but an old source