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

Abstract

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.