'Red Star Over China' by Edgar Snow is a captivating historical account that sheds light on China's transition from a Monarch-controlled country to a collectivist, Communist society. The book provides a first-person narrative of Snow's experiences with Mao Zedong and his army after the Long March, offering valuable insights into the rise of Communism in China. Despite being accused of sympathizing with Mao, Snow's writing is praised for its captivating storytelling and eyewitness account of the ground realities during that era.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is deeply researched and journalistic, merging detailed facts with personal insights, though it can be complex.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative chronicles the rise of communism in China, highlighting Edgar Snow's firsthand experiences and the conditions that birthed the movement.

Setting:

The setting is 1930s China, detailing the environment and conditions influencing the rise of communism.

Pacing:

The pacing can be slow and dense, requiring careful reading and focus to fully grasp the detailed accounts and analysis.

Genres:

nonfiction

historical narrative

journalism

Topics:

socio economic conditions

eyewitness account

Notes:

Red Star Over China is considered one of the most important works on 20th century Chinese history.

Edgar Snow was the only westerner to have close experience with the Chinese Communist forces before they came to power.

The book dramatically changed Western perceptions of communism in China during the mid-1930s.

Snow interviewed key figures, including Mao Zedong, and spent time with members of the Red Army.

The book influenced many young Chinese to join the communist movement after its publication.

Snow's writing was based on firsthand experiences, rather than government propaganda.

The book is recognized for its adventure narrative and extensive research on Chinese communism.

Snow's sympathetic approach towards Mao helped shape the early perception of Maoism globally.

The Long March, a significant event in Chinese history, is highlighted in Snow's account, detailing the immense sacrifices made by the communist forces.

Despite its historical significance, the book's readability can be challenging due to its fact-heavy content.

The book is viewed as essential for understanding China's evolution into a communist state over the past 60 years.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of violence, historical atrocities, and the struggles of the innocent during the civil war.

From The Publisher:

“A historical classic” that brings Mao Tse-tung, the Long March, and the Chinese revolution to vivid life (Foreign Affairs). Journalist Edgar Snow was the first Westerner to meet Mao Tse-tung and the Chinese Communist leaders in 1936—and out of his up-close experience came this historical account, one of the most important books about the remarkable events that would shape not only the future of Asia, but also the future of the world.

This edition of Red Star Over China includes extensive notes on military and political developments in the country; interviews with Mao himself; a chronology covering 125 years of Chinese history; and nearly a hundred detailed biographies of the men and women who were instrumental in making China what it is today.

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Red Star Over China

Edgar Snow