Autocracy and China's Rebel Founding Emperors: Comparing Chairman Mao and Ming Taizu

by Anita M. Andrew (Editor), John A. Rapp (Editor)

Overview

It is now common to hear Mao Zedong referred to as a modern-day 'emperor,' and the authors argue that Mao can best be compared to a specific imperial predecessor, Ming Taizu, the fourteenth-century peasant rebel who founded the Ming dynasty. Both rulers created autocratic regimes that violently purged political enemies; both used the power of their own words to transform the masses. Utilizing a rich mix of analysis and new translations, the book begins by examining other imperial predecessors and the elements linking Mao and Taizu, as well as critiques of Western and Chinese scholarship. The book presents translations with commentary of PRC scholars on Taizu and Mao, showing the evolution in Chinese thought toward both rulers from the Cultural Revolution to the Deng Xiaoping reform era.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847695799
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/22/2000
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.14(h) x 1.02(d)

About the Author

Anita M. Andrew is assistant professor, Department of History, Northern Illinois University, and editor of the journal Ming Studies. John A. Rapp is professor and chair, Department of Political Science, and founder of the Asian studies program, Beloit College.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Part I: Introduction Chapter 2 Mao and Imperial Autocracy: Previous Studies Chapter 3 Other Imperial Predecessors Chapter 4 Causes of the Similar Autocracy of Mao and Zhu Chapter 5 Maoism as Anti-Elitism: The Debates in China and the West Chapter 6 The Autocratic Rule of Zhu Yuangzhang (1368–1398) Chapter 7 Zhu Yuangzhang on the Rectification of Ming Society Chapter 8 Autocratic Elements in Mao's Theory and Practice Chapter 9 Similarities in the Words and Deeds of Mao and Zhu Chapter 10 Notes, Part I Part 11 Part II: Critiques of Autocracy in the PRC Chapter 12 Introduction Chapter 13 Zhu Yuanzhang Chapter 14 Shanghai Museum Chapter 15 Wang Hongjiang Chapter 16 Chen Xinquan Chapter 17 Chen Gaohua Chapter 18 Guo Hounan Chapter 19 Mao Zedong Chapter 20 Shengwulian Chapter 21 Ma Yanwen Chapter 22 Wang Xizhe Chapter 23 Wang Ruoshui Chapter 24 Yan Jiaqi Part 25 Bibliography Part 26 Glossary Part 27 Index Part 28 About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

The parallels of Mao's career and that of Zhu are fascinating and instructive, and this thoughtful and well-documented book throws new light on them.

China Quarterly

The authors of this book should be commended for taking on such a large and complex issue.

The China Journal