CHINA IN THE 20TH CENTURY

by Jules Archer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 11, 1974

A shade less emotional than Archer's lives of Trotsky and Mae Tse-Tung, this is still a fastpaced, vivid narration of 20th century Chinese history and is especially outspoken about the KMT and its place in United States foreign policy, the Sine Soviet split and Chinese foreign relations in general. Archer also details Mao's periodic struggles to retain his leadership of the Party and the ""Yenan complex"" that has sometimes led him to misjudge the temper of the people. Many lively quotes -- from Mae himself, General Stilwell, western journalists and observers -- are woven into the history, and though enthusiasm for Chinese accomplishments runs high, this paints a less idealistic, more hard-headed picture than, say, the Loeschers' Chinese Way (KR, p. 1262, J-470). The prolific Mr. Archer is always in top form when the subject is China, and this well-balanced introduction is less demanding than most at this level, yet without a trace of condescension.

Pub Date: Nov. 11, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 230

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION