From Revolution to Ruin: A Micro-Level Study of the Origins of Mao's Great Famine

FAIN: FEL-262491-19

Ralph A. Thaxton, Jr
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA 02453-2728)

Completion of research and the writing of a book reassessing China’s Great Famine (1958-1962).

Unlike most studies, which focus only on Mao's Great Leap Forward campaign, this study will trace the origins of the great famine through a long-term causal chain of political developments. Indeed, we need to reassess the great famine through the refined knowledge of its survivors in a well-defined locality, and my study, which will make a major contribution not only to modern Chinese history but also will benefit readers in the multidisciplinary field of micro level politics and individual memories of encounters with extremity, will provide this reassessment for a broad general audience.