Revolutionary Discourse in Mao’s Republic

Revolutionary Discourse in Mao's Republic should become a central text in rethinking Maoism, Chinese politics and social theory...This work has the mark of genius. -- Edward Friedman, University of Wisconsin, Madison Apter and Saich have given us a true tour de force, rich in ideas, powerful in its sweep and beautifully written. China specialists may disagree with certain themes, but they will be forced to rethink their positions, and specialist or generalist, the reader will be rewarded by new approaches to many of the central issues surrounding Chinese Communism. -- Robert A. Scalapino, University of California, Berkeley A masterly presentation of a vital issue with far-reaching implications for China scholars, students of East Asian thought and politics, and those who are interested in cultural studies. Apter and Saich have authored an important book, scholarly, sound and full of interpretive brilliance. -- Tu Wei-ming, Harvard University

This unique interpretation of the revolutionary process in China uses empirical evidence as well as concepts from contemporary cultural studies. Apter and Saich base their analysis on recently available primary sources on party history, accounts of the Long March and Yan’an period, and interviews with veterans and their relatives.

What does the Chinese Communist Revolution teach us about the relationship between political discourse and real experiences and events? This unique interpretation of the revolutionary process in China uses empirical evidence as well as concepts from contemporary cultural studies to probe this significant question. David Apter and Tony Saich base their analysis on recently available primary sources on party history, English- and Chinese-language accounts of the Long March and Yan’an period, and interviews with veterans and their relatives.

Written by an eminent political theorist well seasoned in comparative development and an internationally recognized China scholar, and abounding in new approaches to central issues, this incisive analysis will be welcomed by social theorists and China scholars alike.