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Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life
Deng Xiaoping joined the Chinese Communist movement as a youth and rose in its ranks to become an important lieutenant of Mao's from the 1930s onward. Two years after Mao's death in 1976, Deng became the de facto leader of the Chinese Communist Party and the prime architect of China's post-Mao reforms. Abandoning the Maoist socio-economic policies he had long fervently supported, he set in motion changes that would dramatically transform China's economy, society, and position in the world. Three decades later, we are living with the results. China has become the second largest economy and the workshop of the world. And while it is essentially a market economy ("socialism with Chinese characteristics"), Deng and his successors ensured the continuation of CCP rule by severely repressing the democratic movement and maintaining an iron grip on power. When Deng died at the age of 92 in 1997, he had set China on the path it is following to this day.
Alexander Pantsov and Steven Levine's new biography of Deng Xiaoping does what no other biography has based on newly discovered documents, it covers his entire life, from his childhood and student years to the post-Tiananmen era. Thanks to unprecedented access to Russian archives containing massive files on the Chinese Communist Party, the authors present a wealth of new material on Deng dating back to the 1920s. In a long and extraordinary life, Deng navigated one epic crisis after another. Born in 1904, Deng, like many Asian revolutionary leaders, spent part of the 1920s in Paris, where he joined the CCP in its early years. He then studied in the USSR just as Stalin was establishing firm control over the Soviet communist party. He played an increasingly important role in the troubled decades of the 1930s and 1940s that were marked by civil war and the Japanese invasion. He was commissar of a communist-dominated area in the early 1930s, loyal henchman to Mao during the Long
March, regional military commander in the anti-Japanese war, and finally a key leader in the 1946-49 revolution. During Mao's quarter century rule, Deng oscillated between the heights and the depths of power. He was purged during the Cultural Revolution, only to reemerge after Mao's death to become China's paramount leader until his own death in 1997.
This objective, balanced, and unprecedentedly rich biography changes our understanding of one of the most important figures in modern history.
Alexander Pantsov and Steven Levine's new biography of Deng Xiaoping does what no other biography has based on newly discovered documents, it covers his entire life, from his childhood and student years to the post-Tiananmen era. Thanks to unprecedented access to Russian archives containing massive files on the Chinese Communist Party, the authors present a wealth of new material on Deng dating back to the 1920s. In a long and extraordinary life, Deng navigated one epic crisis after another. Born in 1904, Deng, like many Asian revolutionary leaders, spent part of the 1920s in Paris, where he joined the CCP in its early years. He then studied in the USSR just as Stalin was establishing firm control over the Soviet communist party. He played an increasingly important role in the troubled decades of the 1930s and 1940s that were marked by civil war and the Japanese invasion. He was commissar of a communist-dominated area in the early 1930s, loyal henchman to Mao during the Long
March, regional military commander in the anti-Japanese war, and finally a key leader in the 1946-49 revolution. During Mao's quarter century rule, Deng oscillated between the heights and the depths of power. He was purged during the Cultural Revolution, only to reemerge after Mao's death to become China's paramount leader until his own death in 1997.
This objective, balanced, and unprecedentedly rich biography changes our understanding of one of the most important figures in modern history.
638 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2015
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543 people want to read
About the author
Alexander V. Pantsov
6 books19 followersAlexander V. Pantsov is Professor of History and holds the Edward and Mary Catherine Gerhold Chair in the Humanities at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Moscow, Pantsov graduated from Moscow State University Institute of Asian and African Studies in 1978. He has published more than ten books, among them The Bolsheviks and the Chinese Revolution, 1919-1927 (2000), Mao: The Real Story (2007), Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life (2015), and Victorious in Defeat: The Life and Times of Chiang Kai-shek, China, 1887-1975 (2023).
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March 29, 2016
As this is the third biography of Deng Xiaoping within 4 years, the immediate question one may ask is, why another?
Well, Alexander Pantsov has delivered perhaps the most balanced, and complete biography of Deng Xiaoping on the market today. In contrast to the more extensive Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China by Ezra F Vogel, Pantsov's work is a complete biography of his life. In many ways, the chronological coverage is almost completely reversed.
While Vogel spends very little time on Deng Xiaoping's early years, and soon skips to the crucial final 20 years of his life, Pantsov provides a complete portrait of the man, with insight that is most definitely lacking in the previous biographies.
Additionally, Pantsov has set out, and arguably succeeded, in presenting a balanced and objective view of the man, that is neither a deification, nor a hatchet job.
By providing a comprehensive coverage of Deng Xiaoping's whole life, we are presented with a man who was in every sense an adventurous native of China who set out on a revolutionary path in France, a convert and a true believer in communism, and finally, and perhaps more crucially, a reformer driven by pragmatism.
A key strength of Pantsov's work, much like his earlier Mao: The Real Story, is his access to now declassified Soviet archives, that reveal extensive details of Deng, and the rest of the Chinese leaderships, interactions with the USSR, and the crucial Sino-Soviet split. While this does provide insight that perhaps may be lacking in other works, it is not the sole strength, nor is it crucial to the backbone of the work.
The strength of the book is Pantsov's objectivity, and his disinclination to be drawn toward pictures of the man that have arisen from ideas of Deng as a capitalist at heart, or a liberal at heart, or some kind of savior of the Chinese nation.
Pantsov acknowledges and covers how Deng was a very enthusiastic Maoist, who persecuted so called class enemies, and was an ardent and devoted follower of Mao. He was also a passionate revolutionary who truly believed in the cause of the Chinese communist party, and had not intention whatsoever of any kind of bourgeois liberalization.
As such, Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life is an informative read, and an essential one for anyone wishing to clearly understand the man who left the most decisive mark on modern China. It provides a full and complete portrait of Deng Xiaoping's life, rather than concentrating on the crucial final 20 years in power.
As opposed to Michael Dillon's work, a noble effort in itself, Pantsov provides greater insight into Deng's earlier revolutionary years, and his years in power.
While more objective and comprehensive than Vogel's work, Vogel's book is still worth reading due to the extensive insight into the crucial period at the helm.
However, Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life is perhaps the fullest, most revealing, and most objective biography of Deng Xiaoping currently available, and as such, is essential reading for anyone interested in modern China.
Well, Alexander Pantsov has delivered perhaps the most balanced, and complete biography of Deng Xiaoping on the market today. In contrast to the more extensive Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China by Ezra F Vogel, Pantsov's work is a complete biography of his life. In many ways, the chronological coverage is almost completely reversed.
While Vogel spends very little time on Deng Xiaoping's early years, and soon skips to the crucial final 20 years of his life, Pantsov provides a complete portrait of the man, with insight that is most definitely lacking in the previous biographies.
Additionally, Pantsov has set out, and arguably succeeded, in presenting a balanced and objective view of the man, that is neither a deification, nor a hatchet job.
By providing a comprehensive coverage of Deng Xiaoping's whole life, we are presented with a man who was in every sense an adventurous native of China who set out on a revolutionary path in France, a convert and a true believer in communism, and finally, and perhaps more crucially, a reformer driven by pragmatism.
A key strength of Pantsov's work, much like his earlier Mao: The Real Story, is his access to now declassified Soviet archives, that reveal extensive details of Deng, and the rest of the Chinese leaderships, interactions with the USSR, and the crucial Sino-Soviet split. While this does provide insight that perhaps may be lacking in other works, it is not the sole strength, nor is it crucial to the backbone of the work.
The strength of the book is Pantsov's objectivity, and his disinclination to be drawn toward pictures of the man that have arisen from ideas of Deng as a capitalist at heart, or a liberal at heart, or some kind of savior of the Chinese nation.
Pantsov acknowledges and covers how Deng was a very enthusiastic Maoist, who persecuted so called class enemies, and was an ardent and devoted follower of Mao. He was also a passionate revolutionary who truly believed in the cause of the Chinese communist party, and had not intention whatsoever of any kind of bourgeois liberalization.
As such, Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life is an informative read, and an essential one for anyone wishing to clearly understand the man who left the most decisive mark on modern China. It provides a full and complete portrait of Deng Xiaoping's life, rather than concentrating on the crucial final 20 years in power.
As opposed to Michael Dillon's work, a noble effort in itself, Pantsov provides greater insight into Deng's earlier revolutionary years, and his years in power.
While more objective and comprehensive than Vogel's work, Vogel's book is still worth reading due to the extensive insight into the crucial period at the helm.
However, Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life is perhaps the fullest, most revealing, and most objective biography of Deng Xiaoping currently available, and as such, is essential reading for anyone interested in modern China.
July 21, 2015
Deng Xiaoping was a devoted member of the communist party. Unlike Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping left almost no paper trail which has made it difficult for historians. He was noted to be crafty, and an obsessive bridge player. Deng Xiaoping was educated in France.
Pantsov, a professor of history at Capital University in Ohio, has done extensive research into the life of Deng Xiaoping. Steven I. Levine is a research faculty associate in the Department of History at the University of Montana. They spent years combing Russian achieves, obtaining access to Chinese documents and interviews with people. Obtaining as much information as the Chinese would allow.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers Deng’s life from birth in 1904 to meeting Mao in 1927. The second part covers his life with Mao up to 1950. The third part covers 1951 to his death and includes his denouncement during the Cultural Revolution. He gained control of the Communist party after the death of Mao. Deng Xiaoping was the one who ordered the Army into Tiananmen Square. Pantsov states that Deng Xiaoping was responsible for reducing poverty in China by over 50%.
The biography is well balanced and primarily well researched. The book also covers some of the history of China during this timeframe. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. This is a fairly long book at 22 hours. George Backman narrated the book.
Pantsov, a professor of history at Capital University in Ohio, has done extensive research into the life of Deng Xiaoping. Steven I. Levine is a research faculty associate in the Department of History at the University of Montana. They spent years combing Russian achieves, obtaining access to Chinese documents and interviews with people. Obtaining as much information as the Chinese would allow.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers Deng’s life from birth in 1904 to meeting Mao in 1927. The second part covers his life with Mao up to 1950. The third part covers 1951 to his death and includes his denouncement during the Cultural Revolution. He gained control of the Communist party after the death of Mao. Deng Xiaoping was the one who ordered the Army into Tiananmen Square. Pantsov states that Deng Xiaoping was responsible for reducing poverty in China by over 50%.
The biography is well balanced and primarily well researched. The book also covers some of the history of China during this timeframe. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. This is a fairly long book at 22 hours. George Backman narrated the book.
January 18, 2018
This is brilliant and very useful biography, well worth the read for those interested in modern Chinese history. It's not without its faults: Pantsov's ideological perspective is basically anticommunist, and grounded in the assumption that western capitalist democracy is the best thing since the invention of almond croissants); and the author relies on some pretty spurious sources at times ('The Private Life of Chairman Mao', come on). Nevertheless, the book is quite comprehensive and very well written, and gives a pretty solid overall picture of Deng's life and the major events connected with it: the war against Japanese occupation; the Chinese civil war; the 1949 Revolution; New Democracy; the Great Leap Forward; the Cultural Revolution; reform and opening up; the return of Hong Kong and Macao to the PRC.
September 8, 2021
This is quite a thorough historical biography that puts a few things into perspective, without being too ideologically bias. I would refer to it again to get a better understanding of various events in Asian international politics and the Chinese political philosophy.
March 25, 2023
A thorough and informative book about the complete, revolutionary life of Deng Xiaoping; covering Deng Xiaoping's early years, his entrance into the CCP and time studying Communism in Moscow, followed by his return to China to join the Nationalist Army, and his ultimate entrance into politics
and rise within the Red Army and the CC CCP. We learn about his oversight of the purge of the party and the national campaign "Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom, Let a Hundred Schools of Thought Contend" and the repression against the intellectuals; his personal struggles and house arrests under Mao, and ultimately Deng's ascent to power, and his authoritarian leadership.
Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life details how Deng moved "backwards" China forward through social and economic reforms.
He encouraged veterans to endorse the idea of modernization "to select healthy young people to take over from us," right away, "while we are still around, because it will be hard for others to do so after we've left the scene."
He disbanded the communes, the production brigades and production teams; and introduced the family contract system - approving the division of collective land and allowing peasants to develop their household plots and sell their goods on the market for a profit.
He established the Four Cardinal Principles, (defend the socialist path, the dictatorship of the proletariat, the leadership of the party, and Marxist-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought). These are the four pillars of the communist dictatorship, which still frame and restrict the everyday lives of average Chinese citizens today.
Deng was responsible for China's modernization, and opening up, revitalizing China's economy by developing a market economy approach in existence with the State's planned economy. He was the creator of the theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics (a two market system). He was ultimately responsible for quadrupling China's GDP by the end of the 20th century.
He proposed creating the SEZs, four Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Xiamen. They were established to attract investments from overseas Chinese a well as foreigners who wished to construct new industrial enterprises in China or to invest in existing Chinese enterprises. Deng also established additional Economic and Technological Development Zones in 14 maritime port cities - all in an effort to allow for the free flow of capital in and out of China.
Additionally, Deng presented a plan for national reunification - to reunify mainland China with Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao on the basis of the principle of "one country, two systems."
Deng is also portrayed as a ruthless and bloody dictator, who was responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent Chinese citizens and students in the Tiananmen Square Tragedy.
Here are some fun facts I learned, too: Deng was an avid lover or bridge, billiards, soccer and spicy Sichuan food. He also suffered from Parkinson's disease.
I enjoyed this book so much that I want to reread it in order to absorb all the history, and solidify the names of the important leaders who worked closely with Deng, who together strengthened the powerful authoritarian regime, run by the Communist party in China.
I highly recommend this book!
and rise within the Red Army and the CC CCP. We learn about his oversight of the purge of the party and the national campaign "Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom, Let a Hundred Schools of Thought Contend" and the repression against the intellectuals; his personal struggles and house arrests under Mao, and ultimately Deng's ascent to power, and his authoritarian leadership.
Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life details how Deng moved "backwards" China forward through social and economic reforms.
He encouraged veterans to endorse the idea of modernization "to select healthy young people to take over from us," right away, "while we are still around, because it will be hard for others to do so after we've left the scene."
He disbanded the communes, the production brigades and production teams; and introduced the family contract system - approving the division of collective land and allowing peasants to develop their household plots and sell their goods on the market for a profit.
He established the Four Cardinal Principles, (defend the socialist path, the dictatorship of the proletariat, the leadership of the party, and Marxist-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought). These are the four pillars of the communist dictatorship, which still frame and restrict the everyday lives of average Chinese citizens today.
Deng was responsible for China's modernization, and opening up, revitalizing China's economy by developing a market economy approach in existence with the State's planned economy. He was the creator of the theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics (a two market system). He was ultimately responsible for quadrupling China's GDP by the end of the 20th century.
He proposed creating the SEZs, four Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Xiamen. They were established to attract investments from overseas Chinese a well as foreigners who wished to construct new industrial enterprises in China or to invest in existing Chinese enterprises. Deng also established additional Economic and Technological Development Zones in 14 maritime port cities - all in an effort to allow for the free flow of capital in and out of China.
Additionally, Deng presented a plan for national reunification - to reunify mainland China with Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao on the basis of the principle of "one country, two systems."
Deng is also portrayed as a ruthless and bloody dictator, who was responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent Chinese citizens and students in the Tiananmen Square Tragedy.
Here are some fun facts I learned, too: Deng was an avid lover or bridge, billiards, soccer and spicy Sichuan food. He also suffered from Parkinson's disease.
I enjoyed this book so much that I want to reread it in order to absorb all the history, and solidify the names of the important leaders who worked closely with Deng, who together strengthened the powerful authoritarian regime, run by the Communist party in China.
I highly recommend this book!
August 30, 2015
An informative book, perhaps even an essential book for anyone wishing to understand China today. But Deng's life is told from a limited perspective. His early history seems to be merely what was recorded from meeting minutes of various communist forums and committees. Agreed, there are few living witnesses to some of this history. But the committee assignments and decisions are mind-numbing, particularly when they occur during events such as the war against Japan and the Long March. Almost nothing was said about the hardships of the Long March, for example. The book would have been better if it had used a broader spectrum of historical sources, to provide anecdotes and context, and relied less on bureaucratic sources.
That said, the book takes a very unbiased approach and seems to be a reliable indicator of how Deng will be judged by history.
That said, the book takes a very unbiased approach and seems to be a reliable indicator of how Deng will be judged by history.
October 8, 2020
Deng Xiaoping: A Revolutionary Life by Alexander V. Pantsov, Steven I Levine is the biography of arguably the second most important person in modern China. Paston is a professor of history and holds the Edward and Mary Catherine Gerhold Chair in the Humanities at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He has published numerous scholarly works including fifteen books, among them The Bolsheviks and the Chinese Revolution 1919-1927 and Mao: The Real Story. Levine is research faculty associate, Department of History, University of Montana. He is the author, co-author, and editor of numerous works, including Mao: The Real Story and Arc of Empire: America's Wars in Asia from the Philippines to Vietnam, co-authored with Michael H. Hunt.
Without a doubt, Mao played the key role in creating twentieth century China. He molded the country to his ideals and kept China on the path he saw fit. From a budding relationship with Stalin to breaking with Khrushchev over reforms, violently interfering in other socialist countries, and his general boorish public behavior, Mao lead China on the "true socialist" path. Behind Mao were trusted colleagues, one would rise to set China up a world power in the twenty-first century. Xiaoping for the most part was behind the scenes shaping what would become modern China and its mix of socialism and capitalism.
Xiaoping was a long time follower and supporter of Mao from his earliest days fighting the Japanese and Chiang Kai-shek. He became a loyal follower of Mao and rose through the ranks. From his early days studying in France as part of "Diligent Work-Frugal Study Movement," Xiaoping became disenchanted with the capitalist world. He joined the Communist Youth League and then the Chinese Communist Party. He also studied in Moscow before returning to China. He recalled his Moscow days were much more comfortable than his time in France.
In the West, Xiaoping is probably best known for his quote: "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice." Although devoted to Mao, Xiaoping like others who turned to communism were probably more interested in ending colonial rule or bringing their nation to their rightful place in the world. In the bipolar post-World War II world nations and leaders wanting independence often turned to the communists because it was the capitalist countries that were doing the colonizing. Xiaoping wanted to see China occupy a place of prominence on the world stage. His work as a "capitalist roader" inside China's elite shaped China into the powerhouse it is today. However, it was the same ideas that caused him to get purged in the Cultural Revolution. Unlike many victims of purges, Xiaoping came back and returned to the party elite.
A Revolutionary Life covers not only Xiaoping's life but also gives a history of China in the twentieth century. Xiaoping's life is presented as part of the timeline of China as much as it is about the individual. The writing is very detailed as well as very well documented. This book is a little examined but important part of history as well as the basis for the current growing Chinese hegemony. An outstanding history and biography.
Without a doubt, Mao played the key role in creating twentieth century China. He molded the country to his ideals and kept China on the path he saw fit. From a budding relationship with Stalin to breaking with Khrushchev over reforms, violently interfering in other socialist countries, and his general boorish public behavior, Mao lead China on the "true socialist" path. Behind Mao were trusted colleagues, one would rise to set China up a world power in the twenty-first century. Xiaoping for the most part was behind the scenes shaping what would become modern China and its mix of socialism and capitalism.
Xiaoping was a long time follower and supporter of Mao from his earliest days fighting the Japanese and Chiang Kai-shek. He became a loyal follower of Mao and rose through the ranks. From his early days studying in France as part of "Diligent Work-Frugal Study Movement," Xiaoping became disenchanted with the capitalist world. He joined the Communist Youth League and then the Chinese Communist Party. He also studied in Moscow before returning to China. He recalled his Moscow days were much more comfortable than his time in France.
In the West, Xiaoping is probably best known for his quote: "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice." Although devoted to Mao, Xiaoping like others who turned to communism were probably more interested in ending colonial rule or bringing their nation to their rightful place in the world. In the bipolar post-World War II world nations and leaders wanting independence often turned to the communists because it was the capitalist countries that were doing the colonizing. Xiaoping wanted to see China occupy a place of prominence on the world stage. His work as a "capitalist roader" inside China's elite shaped China into the powerhouse it is today. However, it was the same ideas that caused him to get purged in the Cultural Revolution. Unlike many victims of purges, Xiaoping came back and returned to the party elite.
A Revolutionary Life covers not only Xiaoping's life but also gives a history of China in the twentieth century. Xiaoping's life is presented as part of the timeline of China as much as it is about the individual. The writing is very detailed as well as very well documented. This book is a little examined but important part of history as well as the basis for the current growing Chinese hegemony. An outstanding history and biography.
June 6, 2017
Deng Xiaoping is arguably one of the pivotal individuals in the world history of the second half of the 20th century. He led the development of China out of the Maoist era and into a period in which China's rapid growth and industrialization has changed the world economy and lifted over a billion people out of dire poverty. So a quality biography of Deng is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in how China successfully transitioned by an impoverished and poor totalitarian dictatorship to the "Chinese Miracle".
Alexander Pantsov claims that this new biography of Deng is superior to the recent one by Ezra Vogel. This claim is buttressed by the use of newly available materials from Communist archives. The claim is also motivated by the shortcomings that Pantsov attributes to the Vogel biography, namely that it overemphasizes the time since the death of Mao and paints an overall too positive picture of Deng. Rather, the Pantsov is more honest and objective by focusing on Deng as a pragmatic and ruthless follower of Mao who shares responsibility for the death of millions due to his involvement in the great famine after 1958 and the Cultural Revolution. This is the Deng Xiaoping who also gave the order to violently suppress the Tiananmen Square democracy protests in 1989. This is the picture of Deng that should be remembered by subsequent generations and not the avuncular grandfather and leader who brought about "socialism with Chinese characteristics".
The book is enjoyable and worth reading but Pantsov's claims about it do not hold up - at least they are not supported in my opinion. To start with, I thought Vogel's book was enjoyable and useful - much more than Pantsov's book. If Vogel spends more time on Deng's career after 1976, that is perhaps because that period is more important for understanding Deng's role in Chinese economic development. I did not sense that Vogel was too positive on Deng at all. That he was clever and pragmatic is not surprising. Mao's leadership team was a rough neighborhood most of the time so one would not be surprised to find that the survivors were clever and practical. That is why they survived! To Pantsov's claim that Deng was complicit in the excesses of Mao's totalitarian state is also not very interesting. One recalls Henry Kissinger's quote about Andropov to the effect that KGB leaders tend not to be choir boys.
After reading Pantsov, I will admit to two takeaways. First, Mao was right about Deng being a "Capitalist Roader" -- that became clear after Mao's death. Second, Bukharin and the NEP policy in the USSR do provide a theoretical basis for understanding how Deng tried to build "socialism with Chinese characteristics". I had not realized this before reading the book. The style of the book is odd as well, with several sections reading as if they are translations of CCP pamphlets rather than a considered narrative. Any 600+ bio will be a bit of a slog but there is no need to make it worse with prose that sounds more like agitprop and social science.
I did like the book, even with its shortcomings.
Alexander Pantsov claims that this new biography of Deng is superior to the recent one by Ezra Vogel. This claim is buttressed by the use of newly available materials from Communist archives. The claim is also motivated by the shortcomings that Pantsov attributes to the Vogel biography, namely that it overemphasizes the time since the death of Mao and paints an overall too positive picture of Deng. Rather, the Pantsov is more honest and objective by focusing on Deng as a pragmatic and ruthless follower of Mao who shares responsibility for the death of millions due to his involvement in the great famine after 1958 and the Cultural Revolution. This is the Deng Xiaoping who also gave the order to violently suppress the Tiananmen Square democracy protests in 1989. This is the picture of Deng that should be remembered by subsequent generations and not the avuncular grandfather and leader who brought about "socialism with Chinese characteristics".
The book is enjoyable and worth reading but Pantsov's claims about it do not hold up - at least they are not supported in my opinion. To start with, I thought Vogel's book was enjoyable and useful - much more than Pantsov's book. If Vogel spends more time on Deng's career after 1976, that is perhaps because that period is more important for understanding Deng's role in Chinese economic development. I did not sense that Vogel was too positive on Deng at all. That he was clever and pragmatic is not surprising. Mao's leadership team was a rough neighborhood most of the time so one would not be surprised to find that the survivors were clever and practical. That is why they survived! To Pantsov's claim that Deng was complicit in the excesses of Mao's totalitarian state is also not very interesting. One recalls Henry Kissinger's quote about Andropov to the effect that KGB leaders tend not to be choir boys.
After reading Pantsov, I will admit to two takeaways. First, Mao was right about Deng being a "Capitalist Roader" -- that became clear after Mao's death. Second, Bukharin and the NEP policy in the USSR do provide a theoretical basis for understanding how Deng tried to build "socialism with Chinese characteristics". I had not realized this before reading the book. The style of the book is odd as well, with several sections reading as if they are translations of CCP pamphlets rather than a considered narrative. Any 600+ bio will be a bit of a slog but there is no need to make it worse with prose that sounds more like agitprop and social science.
I did like the book, even with its shortcomings.
February 27, 2021
The book's authors promise to provide a more in depth and objective account of Deng's life than other books on the subject - namely what they percieve as Ezra Vogel's hagiography. However, because of the sheer scope of the book -covering Deng's entire life- this book doesn't really have the time to dispel any illusions or be anything more than a standard biopic.
However it's a pretty good standard biopic and because of the authors access to previously unreleased archive information it does shed some interesting light on the interactions of chinese and soviet leaders - particularly when their relations broke down.
The book is also well worth reading for the anecdotes. We find Mao at one point admitting he knows nothing about economics. At another point in the late eighties when economic liberalisation is in full swing and orthodox Marxists are worried about the effects of alienation, we find Deng reading their report and asking "what is alienation?". It is explained to Deng that alienation is bad for "socialism" but as these anecdotes suggest the Chinese leadership's understanding of what socialism meant was never exactly clear, even if they would defend it to the hilt. Thakfully for China, Deng had the wherewithall to realise it didn't mean poverty. And markets don't mean Capitalism (there's a good section in the book about how China rehabilitated Bukharin to arrive at this conclusion.)
Inevitably the end of the book is dominated by Tiananmen but I felt this was its weakest point. No new light was shed and it read something like a standard magazine feature.
If what you are looking for is a book to understand Deng's role in shaping modern China Vogel's book is still the go to.
If however you are looking for an engaging and anecdote rich intoduction to the life and times of Deng Xiaoping then this book is the one.
However it's a pretty good standard biopic and because of the authors access to previously unreleased archive information it does shed some interesting light on the interactions of chinese and soviet leaders - particularly when their relations broke down.
The book is also well worth reading for the anecdotes. We find Mao at one point admitting he knows nothing about economics. At another point in the late eighties when economic liberalisation is in full swing and orthodox Marxists are worried about the effects of alienation, we find Deng reading their report and asking "what is alienation?". It is explained to Deng that alienation is bad for "socialism" but as these anecdotes suggest the Chinese leadership's understanding of what socialism meant was never exactly clear, even if they would defend it to the hilt. Thakfully for China, Deng had the wherewithall to realise it didn't mean poverty. And markets don't mean Capitalism (there's a good section in the book about how China rehabilitated Bukharin to arrive at this conclusion.)
Inevitably the end of the book is dominated by Tiananmen but I felt this was its weakest point. No new light was shed and it read something like a standard magazine feature.
If what you are looking for is a book to understand Deng's role in shaping modern China Vogel's book is still the go to.
If however you are looking for an engaging and anecdote rich intoduction to the life and times of Deng Xiaoping then this book is the one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2017
I finished this back in June 2017, and should have reviewed it then. All I can think to say now is that Deng remains interesting primarily for his fantastic level of political astuteness, first and foremost. But the biography has very compelling and interesting new coverage of his early life, including his break, reunion and betrayal of his parents, his military missteps in Guangxi province in 1929 and in the failed uprisings afterward, and emphasis on his sycophantic relationship with Mao, especially from 1929 or so to 1957, when things got so complicated as Deng was tasked with stoking the Hundred Flowers, then managing the Anti-Rightist Campaign. These chapters add much color and room for bemusement when we consider the more well-trodden territory of Deng's post-socialist vision for China.
They also suggest something important to me. Only a hardened and coldly practical, possibly even inhumane, political mind can likely bring political reform to China now. As we turn to study the "sixth generation" of leaders, we must ask who might combine fierce love of the game of politics with a maverick need to bestow a new vision, and how might we imprint political reform on such a one as the vision to bestow.
They also suggest something important to me. Only a hardened and coldly practical, possibly even inhumane, political mind can likely bring political reform to China now. As we turn to study the "sixth generation" of leaders, we must ask who might combine fierce love of the game of politics with a maverick need to bestow a new vision, and how might we imprint political reform on such a one as the vision to bestow.
January 10, 2021
Like the book about Ho chih Minh, it took me a few months to read this one. But that does not mean I didn't like it. I actually thought it was quite good. It was a comprehensive but unbiased book on Deng Xiaoping. It did not attempt to portray him as either too good or bad. He made many mistakes, but the social and economic reforms he started after the death of Mao really did improve the life of the Chinese people.
But he would only go so far. By the end of his life he became inflexible and saw conspiracies everywhere, which eventually led to the massacre at Tiananmen Square. There was disagreement within the party as to what the protesters actually wanted. Was it just an attempt to let Deng know they were unhappy with the corruption within the party, or was it an attack on the existence of the Communist party itself. Whatever the truth was, by this time Dengs decision was final and he saw the protests as a threat to the existence of the Communist party.
All in all I really enjoyed this book. As a kid I grew up hearing about Deng Xiaoping, but had never read a detailed biography on him. This was a good book to read due to its unbiased approach. Even Deng, at the end of his life, said that if anything is written about him it should include both good and bad.
But he would only go so far. By the end of his life he became inflexible and saw conspiracies everywhere, which eventually led to the massacre at Tiananmen Square. There was disagreement within the party as to what the protesters actually wanted. Was it just an attempt to let Deng know they were unhappy with the corruption within the party, or was it an attack on the existence of the Communist party itself. Whatever the truth was, by this time Dengs decision was final and he saw the protests as a threat to the existence of the Communist party.
All in all I really enjoyed this book. As a kid I grew up hearing about Deng Xiaoping, but had never read a detailed biography on him. This was a good book to read due to its unbiased approach. Even Deng, at the end of his life, said that if anything is written about him it should include both good and bad.
September 8, 2017
This unassuming biography describes the life and times of Deng Xiaoping in letters and meeting notes. According to the legendary communist's wishes, it includes both the good and the bad, from Deng's role in the disastrous Great Leap Forward to his undeserved suffering in the Cultural Revolution; from his market reforms to his bloody suppression of student protests in Beijing.
Perhaps because Deng was a private individual--he apparently didn't open up even to his close family--Pantsov's description reads like a calendar: "At the umpteenth meeting of the zillionth plenum of the congress of the blah blah blah..." Most of what is known about Deng's thinking is inferred from his official recorded actions, because little other evidence is available. The author succeeded in avoiding injection of his own opinions into Deng's head, but consequently avoided telling an engaging story. Factual, but dry.
I believe I will have to pick up another Deng biography for comparison. Maybe Deng is just a boring subject, and Pantsov did the best he could with what little he had.
Perhaps because Deng was a private individual--he apparently didn't open up even to his close family--Pantsov's description reads like a calendar: "At the umpteenth meeting of the zillionth plenum of the congress of the blah blah blah..." Most of what is known about Deng's thinking is inferred from his official recorded actions, because little other evidence is available. The author succeeded in avoiding injection of his own opinions into Deng's head, but consequently avoided telling an engaging story. Factual, but dry.
I believe I will have to pick up another Deng biography for comparison. Maybe Deng is just a boring subject, and Pantsov did the best he could with what little he had.
June 20, 2017
Really the first fully comprehensive biography of Deng that is available in English, it portrays him as an extremely Machiavellian schemer who has both good and bad to answer for and who played the "reform"/"conservative" factions in the government against each other the same way he saw Mao do so.
At the same time, its hard to offer a summary of a life like Deng's, he was involved in Chinese politics from before the revolution up to the mid 90s, spanning 6 very different decades in the history of China and so there is plenty of good & equally some very bad decisions. Perhaps its because I haven't delved into the topic much lately, but this book portrayed that period of the early to mid 80s as a real time of liberalism sprouting in China, making it seem all the more like a reckoning like Tiananmen had to come at some point.
At the same time, its hard to offer a summary of a life like Deng's, he was involved in Chinese politics from before the revolution up to the mid 90s, spanning 6 very different decades in the history of China and so there is plenty of good & equally some very bad decisions. Perhaps its because I haven't delved into the topic much lately, but this book portrayed that period of the early to mid 80s as a real time of liberalism sprouting in China, making it seem all the more like a reckoning like Tiananmen had to come at some point.
January 1, 2021
Alexander manages to present a balanced view on one of the most influential leaders in China’s modern history. Deng’s story is basically a microcosm of China’s modern history. With comprehensive referencing to both non-China and Chinese resources, Alexander recorded Deng’s inhumane acts as well as how Deng changed from an obedient servant of Mao to an assertive visionary leader who opened China to the world. Though the book might be difficult to those who are not familiar with Chinese history, it is worth reading this strongman’s life.
Perhaps because it is Deng’s biography only, or because of the limit in word count, some events such as Tiananmen Movement in 1989 are not thoroughly accounted for. Still, the book gives certain insight.
Perhaps because it is Deng’s biography only, or because of the limit in word count, some events such as Tiananmen Movement in 1989 are not thoroughly accounted for. Still, the book gives certain insight.
October 5, 2017
Pantsov delivers what the Russians do best: a hagiography. Sure, there is the big advantage of not having to do all the research, but beyond the structure, the contribution of Alexander Pantsov is nil. Shallow and uncritical he delivers legend along documents without any trace of concern.
Also, Pantsov is a misogynist, probably more than the people described in these pages.
Also, Pantsov is a misogynist, probably more than the people described in these pages.
He was married at thirteen to a young girl who turned out to be barren. Therefore, two years later Deng Wenming had to bring another girl into the house in the hope of obtaining a son.
July 7, 2017
Socialism with Chinese Characteristic. Modi is considered as India's Deng Xiaoping. There could be no higher honor for him than this, but it is very early to compare the achievements of Modi (hardly there are any) with that of the Deng(the doer).
Deng Xiaoping did what Lee Kuan Yew considered impossible i.e successfully reforming the growth and market economy of a large country.
Book has managed to capture the Interesting life of its subject while still remaining neutral.
Deng Xiaoping did what Lee Kuan Yew considered impossible i.e successfully reforming the growth and market economy of a large country.
Book has managed to capture the Interesting life of its subject while still remaining neutral.
December 24, 2017
An important book to understand the March of the Chinese economy
The book makes sense of the development of private enterprise in a socialist economy. It sets out the magnitude of the task to achieve a revolution, fight a war and govern a billion people.
The book makes sense of the development of private enterprise in a socialist economy. It sets out the magnitude of the task to achieve a revolution, fight a war and govern a billion people.
February 14, 2018
Book full of Russian curse words (English speakers wouldn't get it) :-D
Jokes aside, this is excellent book, because we (I) don't know much about hidden from Western world Chinese political leaders. It doesn't reveal everything (like Deng's crimes), but still excellent for its scope.
Jokes aside, this is excellent book, because we (I) don't know much about hidden from Western world Chinese political leaders. It doesn't reveal everything (like Deng's crimes), but still excellent for its scope.
March 22, 2018
Thorough biography of the Chinese leader. Generally strives to be balanced, though perhaps there are a few too many joking references to the "former number two capitalist roader." Excellent use of Soviet source material in describing Mao's relationship to Stalin & Khrushchev.
January 27, 2019
Very thoroughly written book based on Russian archives. Story of chameleon who was three times exiled but still made a return each and every time. Transformation of China starting from late 70`s under Deng is also remarkable to follow.
February 10, 2019
The author indeed tried not to overly praise nor criticize Deng as he mentioned at the beginning of the biography. He simply told the story of Deng's life and let us the readers decide on how to judge Deng's achievements/crimes.
August 3, 2019
隔了很久很久才看这一本，之前看过了《毛泽东：真实的故事》，内容本身写的不错，问题是这些与毛泽东同时代的人物，在毛活着的时候，基本上只是一个行走的“道具”，而在很年轻时可追寻的记录又必然不足。邓小平晚年的一些故事也零零散散都读过了，本书算是多一个信息源来看吧。
毛和邓这两本书更加印证了一个问题，一个独裁者几分功几分过其实并不重要，因为没啥意义。真正有意义的是可以自我修复的体制，否则换谁上去都只不过是换了个名字而已。
毛和邓这两本书更加印证了一个问题，一个独裁者几分功几分过其实并不重要，因为没啥意义。真正有意义的是可以自我修复的体制，否则换谁上去都只不过是换了个名字而已。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
3.75 / 5.0
Informative and written from China / USSR perspective. USA relations play minor role. Could have used more details surrounding bouts of ins and outs from favor but then I doubt anyone really understands that. Tiananmen Square crackdown gets really short treatment.
Informative and written from China / USSR perspective. USA relations play minor role. Could have used more details surrounding bouts of ins and outs from favor but then I doubt anyone really understands that. Tiananmen Square crackdown gets really short treatment.
October 11, 2017
叙事流畅，涵盖邓小平的生平功业。不隐恶，不贬低，持论公正。邓作为中国共产主义革命的关键参与者，他见证了毛泽东的时代。而作为改革开放年代的总设计师，他的决策仍然在今天的中国发挥着巨大的作用。这本书极具意义，无论从对历史的理解，还是对现实的影响来看，都是如此。
June 7, 2018
Too long, very detailed but balanced. It sounds as if the author was present around the events.
October 8, 2018
Panstov's prose is dry and tedious. I only finished the book because of the subject matter.
July 31, 2019
Pretty comprehensive but it's a little slanted in places.
April 28, 2022
Read about 20%.
November 5, 2023
很遗憾，第一部关于中国共产党党史，关于中国近代建国后历史是一名外国人写的。而且写的如此详实
December 28, 2023
Your average biography.
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