Tyrant, "Hero of the Poor," Despot and Poet - the definitive biography of Mao Zedong. He lived and acted like the last emperor of China: Mao Zedong, the "Great Chairman" of the People's Republic of China. There are numerous myths and propaganda images that trace his life. But who was he really? Russian historian Pantsov and American China expert Levine reveal surprising insights: about Mao's bloody struggle for power, his romances, his allies, and rivals. This major biography is based on previously unused sources, including documents that allow for a complete understanding of Mao's relationship with Stalin for the first time. A comprehensive and dense portrait of one of the most influential and complex figures of the 20th century. "Comprehensive, well-founded, detailed... A great work.".