Foreign Language Press, Peking, 1967, 1^st edition thus.  Trade soft cover, 406 pages.  Good; french-flapped card wraps show edge and cover wear, some soil, age spotting and faded water mark along bottom front edge.  Binding sound; small tears to wraps at upper and lower spine ends.  Prior owner’s name on FEP; tissue guarded frontis of Mao; interior clean and unmarked; very short fore-edge tears up to page 8; some soil on outer page block and faded water marks at lower fore and bottom edges.  ‘… an English translation of the second Chinese edition … which was edited by the Editorial Committee for Selected Readings from the Works of Mao Tse-tung and published in April 1965.  The editorial work was carried out under the guidance of the Committee for the Publication of the Selected Works of Mao Tse-tung under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.’ (from Publisher’s Note)

Content Overview

This volume presents a carefully curated selection of Mao Tse-tung's writings, capturing pivotal moments in the ideological development of the Chinese Communist Party. The texts span speeches, essays, and directives that reflect Mao's strategic vision, revolutionary philosophy, and practical guidance during key periods of the Chinese revolution and nation-building efforts.

Significance and Context

As an English translation of the second Chinese edition, this work provides invaluable insight into Maoist thought during the mid-1960s, a time when China was experiencing significant political and social transformation. The editorial committee's meticulous efforts ensured that the selection and translation preserved the original intent, tone, and nuances of Mao’s writings, making it an essential resource for scholars, historians, and students of Chinese political history.

Physical Description

The trade soft cover edition features french-flapped card wraps, which, despite some signs of wear and age, remain intact and functional. The binding is sound, ensuring the text block holds together well for continued use. The tissue-guarded frontispiece portrait of Mao Tse-tung adds a respectful visual element, further grounding the reader in the historical and ideological context of the work.

Condition Notes

• Edge and cover wear consistent with age and handling
• Some soil and age spotting throughout the cover and outer page block
• Faded water marks along the bottom front edge and fore edges, minor but notable
• Small tears at the upper and lower spine ends, not affecting text integrity
• Prior owner’s inscription on front endpaper, unobtrusive and does not detract from content
• Interior pages clean, unmarked, and well-preserved

Provenance and Publisher’s Commentary

The publisher’s note highlights the authoritative nature of this edition, emphasizing that the editorial work was conducted with oversight from the Committee for the Publication of the Selected Works of Mao Tse-tung under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. This lends significant credibility and authenticity to the translation, ensuring that readers engage directly with Mao’s foundational texts as intended by their original compilers.

Recommended For

This edition is highly recommended for collectors of political literature, researchers in Chinese studies, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Maoist ideology and its historical applications. Its relative rarity and condition make it a valuable addition to academic libraries and personal collections alike.