The Great Transformation: China’s road from revolution to reform
Yale University Press, US$38 hb, 418 pp
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A cacophony of voices
This is a work based on deep scholarship, by two leading historians of China. The writing is clear and precise, the narrative richly informed by primary sources. Personal stories of individuals are used to great effect.
The book revolves around two major inflection points. First is the Cultural Revolution launched by Mao Zedong in 1966 to entrench his authority and to see off political opponents. It continued with diminishing intensity until his death in 1976. Second is the beginning of the Reform period from 1980, with the final and complete resolution of the post-Mao succession struggles and the launching of Supreme Leader Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms in 1984.
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The Great Transformation: China’s road from revolution to reform
by Odd Arne Westad and Chen Jian
Yale University Press, US$38 hb, 418 pp
ABR receives a commission on items purchased through this link. All ABR reviews are fully independent.
