The Foundations of Mao Zedong's Political Thought, 1917–1935

Book excerpt: This study traces the development of Mao's political thinking from his earliest writings to the beginning of the Long March. In a thorough examination of the early years, the author delineates Mao's distinctive perspectives, political concerns, and leadership style—the enduring components of his political identity. The analysis goes to the roots of Mao's thinking—the crucible of action—in order to demonstrate the fundamental unity of theory and practice which constituted the leading principle of Mao's thought, an approach to politics that was a major innovation within both the Chinese and Marxist political traditions.