“A terrific new book. Both very informative and a fun read.” Dr Elizabeth C. Economy, The Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

“A wonderful book…Very deep and very interesting. A clear, accessible and really important book.” Professor Andrew Nathan, Columbia University.

“A miracle of concision.”

Michael Sheridan, author of The Gate to China.

“One of the most cogent and elegant accounts of revolutionary China to have appeared in the West.” David Lattimore, New York Times.

“A glimpse into Chinese souls at one of the most crucial turning points in their modern history. This most accurate, readable book … will undoubtedly be read as a textbook on the period.” David Bonavia, The Times.

“An absolutely splendid work, an extraordinary accomplishment, a collection of wealth, an intellectual, emotional feast to assuage your appetite and whet it at the same time.” Carolyn See, Los Angeles Times.

“Vivid, engrossing and full of authority. Mr Garside side-steps the sinologist’s jargon with consummate skill.” Stephen Constant, Sunday Telegraph.