Book Review: Quotations from Mao Tse-tung

Colloquially known as the Little Red Book in the western world and widely distributed during Chairman Mao’s cultural revolution, Quotations from Mao Tse-tung is a collection of speeches and writings from the CCP leader published in the 1960s and 1970s.

In Hong Kong, it is not that difficult to find, being available from several street vendors and some museums.

The book was compiled by the People’s Liberation Army and distributed to delegates in 1964 before being expanded after feedback.

By 1967, the book was available throughout the world having been picked up by international publishers.

Accurate figures on popularity are hard to come by due to it being obligatory for Chinese citizens to own, read and carry a copy at all times during the Cultural Revolution.

In modern China, it is mainly used as a piece of nostalgia but is given out as a gift in certain situations.

In terms of reading it, the book is a lot shorter than its page numbers would suggest due to its size. I must admit, however, it was not the most riveting read. I read it to engage myself in a political debate and learn more about Mao’s philosophy but I found it presented very little in the way of arguments. It more or less attempted to assert its views by arguing ‘capitalists just screw over the proletariat’ or words to that effect, so I was left disappointed in that regard.

I also have to say some of the content appeared to directly contradict some of Mao’s policy. He spoke about the importance of open dialogue and education but the Cultural Revolution saw people thrown in prison for questioning policy, even if they generally supported Mao and the party and particularly teachers. It is also has a section to justify dictatorship, arguing otherwise counter revolutionaries would undermine the state.

I can’t say it was very gripping either, I was only able to read about three-quarters of it. Obviously, modern China is very different to the one Mao built and envisaged, largely thanks to reforms both politically and economically thanks to Deng Xiaoping. Deng, made it possible for children of condemned counter revolutionaries to take exams to access higher education, with the chance previously being taken away from them under previous administrations.

If you can read this book and remain engaged throughout, it offers a good snapshot into the CCP under Mao. And this of course, has had a role in building modern China as we know it.

Rating — 2/5 stars.

Next book to review: Policing Hong Kong: An Irish History by Patricia O’Sullivan.