In "Mao: The Unknown Story," Jung Chang embarks on a monumental journey through the life of one of history's most enigmatic figures, Mao Zedong. With unparalleled access to sources that have never before been tapped, Chang peels back the layers of myth and propaganda that have long obscured the true nature of the Communist leader. From his earliest days to his final moments, Mao is revealed not as the ideologue of popular imagination but as a man driven by an insatiable lust for power, a willingness to betray allies and principles, and a cold-blooded ruthlessness that would lead his country into the abyss of famine and mass murder. The book challenges every established notion about Mao, from the glorified account of the Long March to his relationships with the global leaders of his time, most notably with Stalin. Chang meticulously documents Mao's rise to power, his strategic manipulation of both Chinese and foreign dignitaries, and his often brutal tactics to eliminate dissent and opposition. The narrative is enriched by testimonies from those within Mao's inner circle, offering an unprecedented glimpse into his ambitions to dominate not just China but the world. As Chang vividly illustrates, Mao's legacy is not just the founding of the People's Republic of China but the staggering human cost of his tyranny—over 70 million lives lost in peacetime, a testament to the devastating impact of absolute power corrupted absolutely.