Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung
By: Mao Tse-Tung
About This Book
Mao Tse-tung founded the People's Republic of China in 1949. He had also been one of the founders of the Chinese Communist party in 1921, and he is regarded, along with Karl Marx and V. I. Lenin, as one of the three great theorists of Marxian communism. Mao Tse-tung was born on Dec. 26, 1893, into a well-to-do peasant family in Shao-shan, Hunan province. As a Marxist thinker and the leader of a socialist state, Mao gave theoretical legitimacy to the continuation of class struggle in the socialist and communist stages of development. He stressed the importance of land redistribution for the benefit of the rural peasantry, and his theories have strongly influenced the nonindustrialized Third World.This book includes important articles Mao wrote in the different periods of the Chinese revolution. A number of editions of his articles have appeared in various places, but none of them had been gone over by the author; their arrangement is haphazard, there were errors in the text, and certain important writings were omitted. The contents of the present edition are arranged in chronological order and according to the main periods in the history of the Communist Party of China since its foundation in 1922. The present edition includes a number of important writings not included in the earlier editions. Mao has read all the articles, made certain verbal changes and, in isolated cases, revised the text. This book covers the periods of the First Revolutionary Civil War (1924-27) and of the Second Revolutionary Civil War (1927-37).
AI Overview
The "Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung" is a five-volume collection of writings by Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. The volumes cover his writings from 1926 to 1957, with each volume focusing on different periods of his career and the significant events of the time.
Key Themes
- Marxist Theory and Philosophy: The works include Mao's interpretations and applications of Marxist theory, philosophy, and economics, which were central to his revolutionary ideology.
- Revolutionary Strategy: The volumes contain Mao's writings on military strategy, particularly during the War of Resistance Against Japan and the early years of the Chinese Civil War.
- Socialist Construction: Volumes 4 and 5 include essays and speeches on the construction of socialism in China, from the founding of the People's Republic in 1949 to the late 1950s.
- Cultural and Social Issues: The collection also includes writings on cultural and social issues, reflecting Mao's efforts to transform Chinese society according to his revolutionary ideals.
Plot Summary
The volumes are structured chronologically, reflecting the major phases of Mao's career and the significant events in Chinese history during that period.
- Volume 1: Covers the early years of Mao's involvement in the Chinese Communist Party, including his writings from the 1920s and early 1930s.
- Volume 2: Focuses on the period of the War of Resistance Against Japan, with articles from the late 1930s and early 1940s.
- Volume 3: Includes articles from the late period of the War of Resistance Against Japan, published in 1953.
- Volume 4: Contains writings from after the Second Sino-Japanese War and before the founding of the People's Republic, published in 1960.
- Volume 5: Covers the period after the founding of the People's Republic, published in 1977, despite Mao's initial resistance to its compilation due to the evolving nature of his views during the Cultural Revolution.
Critical Reception
The "Selected Works" have been widely studied and debated both within China and internationally. The collection has been praised for its historical significance and its role in shaping modern Chinese thought and politics. However, it has also been subject to critical analysis, particularly regarding its role in promoting authoritarianism and ideological rigidity.
- Historical Significance: The works are considered foundational texts for understanding Mao's ideology and the development of the Chinese Communist Party. They provide insights into the strategic thinking and philosophical underpinnings of the Chinese revolution.
- Cultural Impact: The Selected Works have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and society, influencing education, politics, and social policies for decades. However, their impact has also been criticized for promoting a rigid ideological framework that stifled dissent and creativity.
Additional Notes
- Translations and Editions: The Selected Works have been translated into various languages and have undergone multiple editions. The Marxists Internet Archive provides digital access to the volumes, while other editions have been published by different organizations, including those in India.
- Controversies: The collection has been surrounded by controversies, particularly regarding its role in the Cultural Revolution and the suppression of dissenting voices. The fifth volume, which was published after Mao's death, reflects the complex and often contentious nature of his legacy.
In summary, the "Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung" is a comprehensive collection of Mao's writings that offers a deep dive into his revolutionary ideology, strategic thinking, and philosophical perspectives. While it has been widely studied and influential, it has also been subject to critical analysis and controversy.