Li Dazhao

<p><b>Biography of a major figure in modern Chinese history.</b></p><p>As one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party Li Dazhao (1889-1927) was a key figure in China's transition from empire to republic from tradition to modernity and from imperial rule to turbulent revolution. Patrick Fuliang Shan's biography of Li the first English-language study in over half a century draws on a wealth of Chinese-language primary and secondary sources to examine Li's early life family education and career; his endeavors to introduce Western civilization to the Chinese; his switch to communism and his leadership role in the early Communist movement; his political maneuvers and revolutionary activities; and his tragic death at the hands of the warlord Zhang Zuolin. While its focus is on Li's personal odyssey and extraordinary journey the book also presents an in-depth analysis of China's broad national experience and its march towards modernity.</p>