Liu Shaoqi was a great Marxist, a proletarian revolutionary, politician, and theorist, and a representative of the correct line in work in the Kuomintang-controlled areas during the decade of civil war. People know of his immense contributions to the Party's theory, organization, and political power, but his long military career is little known.
Focusing primarily on Liu Shaoqi's great achievements in national defense and military development, the author offers a concise, heartfelt, and distinctive account from the unique perspectives of his children and military leaders. The book vividly examines major events in Party history, including the origins of the People's Army, the problems within the Shunzhi Provincial Committee, the work of the Manchurian Provincial Committee, Liu's achievements during the Red Army period, his leadership of work in the Kuomintang-controlled areas, the rescue of comrades from prison, armed and political resistance against Japan, the establishment of base areas behind enemy lines, the establishment of Mao Zedong Thought, innovations in military theory and strategy, his major contributions during the War of Liberation, and achievements in aiding Vietnam's resistance against France and the United States. It also explores Liu Shaoqi's relationships with Mao Zedong and other veteran leaders, old comrades such as Peng Dehuai, longtime friends such as Ho Chi Minh, and maternal figures such as He Baozhen. The book includes historical material and fresh interpretations available only because of the author's unique circumstances, along with questions and assessments from the independent perspective of a family member of someone directly involved.
To inspire young people, especially today's military personnel, to engage with history, the author has sought to experiment with a fresh writing style, weaving history and culture into a concise narrative. Perhaps this will add a breath of fresh, enduring fragrance to the serious field of historical scholarship. Even more worthy of encouragement and recommendation is the book's emphasis on the decisive historical role of the people and their leaders. It may well be a striking, moving flower blooming among the works that commemorate our predecessors.
