Book Description

The Long March, the first such expedition in history, was made by the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman Mao Tsetung during the period of 1934-36. Covering 25,000 li (12,500 kilometers), the march ended in victory after breaching heavy enemy encirclements and over-coming innumerable dangers and difficulties.This book is a record of the author's six years from 1930, when he served first as Chairman Mao Tsetung's orderly and then as bodyguard. Here are his impressions of the chairman's life and work, focusing on the Long March, and of the Red Army in time of trial. These reminiscences of the revolution highlight the historical events of that period and bring out vividly Chairman Mao's revolutionary outlook and plain living.Appended are two articles: Happy Reminiscences and About the Long March. The first appears as the author's afterword and gives some supplementary material, followed by an account of his interview with the Chairman after the founding of New China. The second additional article provides background information for a better understanding of the book.