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carkid2's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.75
Way way better than I expected. Deng xiaoping is one of the most dynamic world leaders I have ever read about. I’m so happy I chose this book as it was so thorough. I can’t help but to want to learn even more about deng after this book. How someone can be a right hand man of mao and find themselves then reversing many of his policies for the better of China was very interesting to me. How he modernized China so fast and slowly brought some freedoms back to the Chinese people all while keeping the country stable. An expert at almost everything he touched. Open minded despite coming from one of the most close minded governments in the modern world . Absolutely fascinating
zachlz's review against another edition
5.0
No country underwent greater changes in the second half of the twentieth century than China and no man was more responsible for these changes than the subject of this incredible biography. Deng Xiaoping - the architect of modern China - received both the respect and the criticism that he deserved in Vogel's well-researched book. The author skillfully tied the ups and downs of Deng's personal life with those of the country that Deng so deeply loved and by doing so, crafted a piece of work that is both academic and accessible, both objective and heartfelt.
This is a thorough examination not only on Deng Xiaoping the man, but also on the many turning points in China's recent history, for which Deng was often responsible (the reform and opening policy, the normalization of relationships with the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the war with Vietnam, the return of Hong Kong, the estrangement between the Communist Party and Dalai Lama, the tragedy on Tiananmen Square, etc.). As a person, Deng was warm yet guarded. As a leader, Deng was progressive yet restrained. As a spokesperson for China, Deng was witty yet manipulative. The book portraits Deng as a paramount leader whose virtues and flaws are equally visible and whose influence is unparalleled - a portrait that is most likely not very far away from the truth.
There are nevertheless some minor issues I have with the book. Vogel chose not to follow a strictly chronological order when recounting Deng's life story, but instead structured the book based on the nature of Deng's various policies. While this approach certainly helps the readers connect the dots between different periods of Deng's life, it occasionally becomes confusing especially since so many events and characters are involved. There were also some translation errors that I have noticed, the most egregious being when Vogel tried to explain the significance of Hua Guofeng's adopted name. Vogel claimed that it means "Chinese vanguard against the Japanese". However, "Hua" means China, "Guo" means nation, "Feng" means vanguard. How Vogel managed to see "Japanese" in these three characters is a mystery beyond my comprehension. But if one could look past these minor mistakes, one would certainly have an enjoyable read.
This is a thorough examination not only on Deng Xiaoping the man, but also on the many turning points in China's recent history, for which Deng was often responsible (the reform and opening policy, the normalization of relationships with the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the war with Vietnam, the return of Hong Kong, the estrangement between the Communist Party and Dalai Lama, the tragedy on Tiananmen Square, etc.). As a person, Deng was warm yet guarded. As a leader, Deng was progressive yet restrained. As a spokesperson for China, Deng was witty yet manipulative. The book portraits Deng as a paramount leader whose virtues and flaws are equally visible and whose influence is unparalleled - a portrait that is most likely not very far away from the truth.
There are nevertheless some minor issues I have with the book. Vogel chose not to follow a strictly chronological order when recounting Deng's life story, but instead structured the book based on the nature of Deng's various policies. While this approach certainly helps the readers connect the dots between different periods of Deng's life, it occasionally becomes confusing especially since so many events and characters are involved. There were also some translation errors that I have noticed, the most egregious being when Vogel tried to explain the significance of Hua Guofeng's adopted name. Vogel claimed that it means "Chinese vanguard against the Japanese". However, "Hua" means China, "Guo" means nation, "Feng" means vanguard. How Vogel managed to see "Japanese" in these three characters is a mystery beyond my comprehension. But if one could look past these minor mistakes, one would certainly have an enjoyable read.
benrogerswpg's review against another edition
3.0
Very interesting leadership book.
I learned a surprising amount of things, mostly about China, but some on leadership tactics too.
Great history too!
I felt the book was a bit biased at times, but still interesting.
3.0/5
I learned a surprising amount of things, mostly about China, but some on leadership tactics too.
Great history too!
I felt the book was a bit biased at times, but still interesting.
3.0/5
bub_9's review against another edition
4.0
A breathtaking account of the most important Chinese leader of the 20th century (yes, I mean that). It's comprehensive, and when you're working with such a remarkable piece of subject-matter, the results are going to be remarkable too. My only issue is that it does gloss over Deng's place in some of the more disturbing periods of Maoist China; he wasn't just some pawn, after all.
_blueming's review against another edition
5.0
An exceptional and insightful book on Deng's life. I thoroughly enjoyed everything Vogel had to say about Deng's rule and I especially appreciated his evaluation of the impact and legacy of Deng's actions on China's future.
I loved it!
I loved it!