Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang

Though many people have heard of Mao Zedong, this magnificent biography provides new insight into the power-hungry "Red Emperor". Chang and Halliday begin with the startling fact that Mao was responsible for 70 million fatalities during peacetime – more than any other international leader of the twentieth century. They then untangle Mao's complicated philosophies, motivations, and objectives, shattering his long-promoted "hero" character and presenting a new, grislier portrayal of one of China's most important revolutionaries.

Mao: The Unknown Story, the most definitive biography of the Chinese leader ever produced, is based on a decade of study and interviews with many of Mao's close circle in China who had never spoken before – as well as almost everyone outside China who had major interactions with him. It is full of shocking revelations, shattering the myth of the Long March and revealing a previously unknown Mao: he was not driven by idealism or ideology; his intimate and intricate relationship with Stalin dated back to the 1920s, eventually bringing him to power; he welcomed Japanese occupation of much of China; and he schemed, poisoned, and blackmailed to get his way. Mao's hidden ambition after conquering China in 1949 was to rule the globe.

Detailed information:
Author: Jung Chang
Link to read: goodreads.com/book/show/9746.Mao