Red Earth: Revolution in a Sichvan Village

This book provides a unique perspective on Chinese village life during and since Mao's long leadership, challenging official versions of history and exploring the profound changes that have occurred. It examines how official policy fluctuations affected village life and raises important political and philosophical questions about the definition of collective or social good and the achievement of socialist welfare goals. Based on extensive interviews with villagers and government documents, it offers a detailed account of the dynamics of China's revolutionary social, economic, and cultural change through the microcosm of village life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of a Chinese village, shedding light on the events that transpired during and in the aftermath of Mao Zedong's long leadership. By granting commune members the privilege to speak, it challenges the official versions of history, offering a fresh and authentic perspective. The author vividly portrays the profound transformations that have taken place since the Chinese revolution, encompassing both external changes in the physical environment and internal shifts in the hearts and minds of individuals.

Stephen Lyon Endicott, in his insightful examination, explores the impact of fluctuations in official policy on village life. He raises thought-provoking political and philosophical questions, such as the definition of collective or social good and the feasibility of achieving socialist welfare goals while maintaining productivity within the work force.

Drawing upon extensive interviews with scores of villagers conducted until 1988, as well as a wealth of Chinese government documents, local records, and newspapers, the author unveils the dynamic forces that shaped China's revolutionary social, economic, and cultural change through the lens of village life.

Red Earth is a meticulously researched and beautifully written work that will captivate a wide range of readers, from general enthusiasts to specialists in China, Communism, development studies, and anthropology. It provides a profound and nuanced understanding of the complexities and nuances of rural China's history, offering a valuable contribution to our understanding of the country's social, political, and economic evolution.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350186712