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Book Synopsis: Winner of the Lionel Gelber PrizeNational Book Critics Circle Award FinalistAn Economist Best Book of the Year | A Financial Times Book of the Year | A Wall Street Journal Book of the Year | A Washington Post Book of the Year | A Bloomberg News Book of the Year | An Esquire China Book of the Year | A Gates Notes Top Read of the Year
Perhaps no one in the twentieth century had a greater long-term impact on world history than Deng Xiaoping. And no scholar of contemporary East Asian history and culture is better qualified than Ezra Vogel to disentangle the many contradictions embodied in the life and legacy of China’s boldest strategist.
Once described by Mao Zedong as a “needle inside a ball of cotton,” Deng was the pragmatic yet disciplined driving force behind China’s radical transformation in the late twentieth century. He confronted the damage wrought by the Cultural Revolution, dissolved Mao’s cult of personality, and loosened the economic and social policies that had stunted China’s growth. Obsessed with modernization and technology, Deng opened trade relations with the West, which lifted hundreds of millions of his countrymen out of poverty. Yet at the same time he answered to his authoritarian roots, most notably when he ordered the crackdown in June 1989 at Tiananmen Square.
Deng’s youthful commitment to the Communist Party was cemented in Paris in the early 1920s, among a group of Chinese student-workers that also included Zhou Enlai. Deng returned home in 1927 to join the Chinese Revolution on the ground floor. In the fifty years of his tumultuous rise to power, he endured accusations, purges, and even exile before becoming China’s preeminent leader from 1978 to 1989 and again in 1992. When he reached the top, Deng saw an opportunity to creatively destroy much of the economic system he had helped build for five decades as a loyal follower of Mao—and he did not hesitate.
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Are you ready to dive into the fascinating life and legacy of Deng Xiaoping? Look no further than "Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China", the award-winning book by Ezra Vogel. This gripping narrative explores the profound impact of Deng Xiaoping, a figure who shaped the course of world history in the twentieth century. With Vogel's expert insights, you'll uncover the many contradictions and complexities of China's boldest strategist.
Deng Xiaoping was a pragmatic force who revolutionized China's trajectory. He fearlessly confronted the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution, dismantled Mao's cult of personality, and introduced progressive economic and social policies that propelled China's unprecedented growth. By prioritizing modernization and forging trade relations with the West, Deng lifted millions of Chinese citizens out of poverty. Discover the astonishing journey of a leader bound by tradition yet driven by an unwavering commitment to propel China forward into the future.
Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Deng Xiaoping's rise to power. From his formative years being part of the Chinese Revolution alongside Zhou Enlai, to enduring personal hardships such as accusations, purges, and exile, Deng's story is one of resilience and determination. Become engrossed in the intricate narrative that culminates in Deng's influential role as China's preeminent leader from 1978 to 1989, with a resurgence in 1992. Witness the transformative power and enduring legacy of a visionary leader.
"Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China" is a must-read for history enthusiasts, East Asian culture scholars, and anyone seeking to comprehend the intricate tapestry of modern China. Ezra Vogel's impeccable research and eloquent storytelling will transport you through the pivotal moments of Deng's life, from the heights of success to the depths of controversy. Don't miss out on this eye-opening account that will challenge your perceptions and expand your understanding of contemporary East Asia.
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