The Chinese Cultural Revolution: A History - Hardcover

Clark, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521875153 ISBN 13: 9780521875158

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

An intriguing study of cultural life during a turbulent and formative decade in contemporary China, this book seeks to explode several myths about the Cultural Revolution (officially 1966–76). Through national and local examination of the full range of cultural forms (film, operas, dance, other stage arts, music, fine arts, literature, and even architecture), Clark argues against characterizing this decade as one of chaos and destruction. Rather, he finds that innovation and creativity, promotion of participation in cultural production, and a vigorous promotion of the modern were all typical of the Cultural Revolution. Using a range of previously little-used materials, Clark forces us to fundamentally reassess our understanding of the Cultural Revolution, a period which he sees as the product of innovation in conflict with the effort by political leaders to enforce a top-down modernity.

About this title

Review

'Clark's work is an important first step and a useful reference on the diverse culture of the period.' The Journal of Asian Studies

Book Description

Examining a wide range of cultural forms, this book argues that innovation, participation in cultural production, and a vigorous promotion of the modern were all typical of the Cultural Revolution, which was characterized by the conflict of innovation with the effort by political leaders to enforce a top-down modernity.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521875153
• ISBN 13: 9780521875158
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368