Wang Jingwei: His Life, Ideas & Beliefs
Wang Jingwei’s life is told in chronological order, with excerpts from his political writings, speeches and letters. In addition to Ho Mang Hang’s own observations, the first half of the book is based on an autobiographical draft by Wang, while the second half is compiled by Ho with related research and first-hand materials.
From the assassination of Liao Zhongkai (1877-1925), to Wang’s election as the first Chairman of the Republican China in 1925, the Zhongshan Warship Incident, stepping aside several times, how China became communist, and other untold information about critical events, to how Wang treated other people, this book allows historical figures to speak for themselves and readers to ponder and judge for themselves.
Manuscripts by Wang Jingwei
Scans of original manuscripts comprise the core of this volume, which presents Wang Jingwei’s handwritten autobiographical draft and private correspondence. The digital edition makes the best use of the digital format across multiple devices: allowing readers to select and search for explanations of specific terms via the Internet; use bookmarks to highlight particular pages or passages; and enlarge images. When Wang’s lengthy correspondence shows minimal overwritings or corrections, what does it reveal about the author? Was he a resolute theoretician, a master in expressing his ideas directly and without hesitation? Or were there many drafts that preceded the final version? Readers are free to draw their own conclusions.
