Mao's Great Famine

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An unprecedented history of China's Great Famine recasts the era of Mao Zedong and the People's Republic of China. Between 1958 and 1962, China plunged into chaos as Mao initiated the Great Leap Forward, aiming to surpass Britain in less than 15 years. This experiment resulted in the greatest catastrophe in Chinese history, claiming tens of millions of lives. Frank Dikotter's detailed chronicle sheds light on this era, previously shrouded in speculation due to restricted access to Communist Party archives. A new archive law has now opened thousands of documents that fundamentally alter the study of the Maoist era. Dikotter reveals that the Great Leap Forward, rather than elevating China, led to one of history's deadliest mass killings—over 45 million people perished from starvation, forced labor, or violence—and the largest destruction of real estate, with up to one-third of housing reduced to rubble. The natural environment also suffered severely due to relentless industrial pursuits. Through extensive research and compelling narrative, Dikotter connects the power struggles among party leaders with the everyday experiences of ordinary citizens, giving voice to the dead and marginalized. His account reshapes the understanding of the People's Republic of China.