[The Official Biographical Narrative from the Chinese Historical Society]Authored by Jie Li, President of the Chinese Historical Society and former Deputy Director of the Central Literature Research Office, this volume represents the most authoritative contemporary account of Mao Zedong's life from within the Chinese academic establishment.Unlike Western biographies, this book draws upon exclusive internal archives and documentary materialsheld by the Central Literature Research Office. It offers Western scholars a crucial primary source to understand how the Communist Party of China officially interprets Mao's legacy, his ideological evolution, and his pivotal decisions in the 20th century. The book explores how Mao Zedong was shaped by his era and how he, in turn, profoundly influenced the 20th century. It delves into his life trajectory, drawing on documentary materials to illustrate his relentless pursuit of happiness for the people and the nation' s revival. Special emphasis is placed on analyzing the evolution of Mao Zedong' s ideology and his pivotal actions during critical historical moments.