Yang Jisheng

Yang Jisheng is a Chinese journalist and author known for his work on modern Chinese history, particularly his book 'Tombstone,' which investigates the Great Chinese Famine of 1959-1961.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Tombstone

    The Great Chinese Famine, 1958-1962

    This harrowing account delves into the devastating Great Chinese Famine of 1958-1962, a period marked by widespread starvation and suffering, resulting in the deaths of millions. Through meticulous research and personal testimonies, the narrative uncovers the catastrophic consequences of political decisions and policies during the Great Leap Forward. It sheds light on the systemic failures and human cost of the famine, offering a poignant exploration of a tragic chapter in China's history that was long shrouded in silence and censorship.

    The 8206th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The World Turned Upside Down

    A History of the Chinese Cultural Revolution

    A comprehensive history of China’s Cultural Revolution, tracing its origins in high-level power struggles and ideological campaigns, the rise of Red Guard radicalism, nationwide factional violence and militarization, and the resulting social trauma and economic disruption. Drawing on extensive archival research and firsthand accounts, it interweaves elite politics with grassroots experiences to reveal the movement’s human cost, institutional wreckage, and long-lasting repercussions for Chinese society and governance.

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