Li Dazhao: China's First Communist (Suny Chinese Philosophy and Culture)

As one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party, Li Dazhao (1889-1927) was a key figure in China's transition from empire to republic, from tradition to modernity, and from imperial rule to turbulent revolution. Patrick Fuliang Shan's biography of Li, the first English-language study in over half a century, draws on a wealth of Chinese-language primary and secondary sources to examine Li's early life, family, education, and career; his endeavors to introduce Western civilization to the Chinese; his switch to communism and his leadership role in the early Communist movement; his political maneuvers and revolutionary activities; and his tragic death at the hands of the warlord Zhang Zuolin. While its focus is on Li's personal odyssey and extraordinary journey, the book also presents an in-depth analysis of China's broad national experience and its march towards modernity. Contents 8 List of Illustrations 10 Acknowledgments 12 A Note on Romanization 14 Introduction 16 Chapter 1 Family and Early Years 28 Introduction 28 Family Background 29 Early Years 33 A Classical Education 38 Conclusion 42 Chapter 2 Pursuing a Modern Education 44 Introduction 44 The Yongping Days 45 The Tianjin Years 50 Li’s Early Thought 58 Conclusion 64 Chapter 3 The Japan Years 68 Introduction 68 Studying in Japan 70 An Activist 78 Ideological Changes 85 Conclusion 93 Chapter 4 Editor and Writer 96 Introduction 96 The Editor in Chief of the Morning Bell 97 An Editor of the Public Review of the Constitution 103 A Contributor to the Tiger Daily 107 A Domestic Political Refugee 114 Conclusion 117 Chapter 5 Beijing University 120 Introduction 120 The Chief Librarian 121 A Professor and a Scholar 126 The May Fourth Movement 130 A Social Activist 140 Conclusion 145 Chapter 6 Embracing Communism 148 Introduction 148 Embracing Communism 149 Establishing the Chinese Communist Party 157 Li Dazhao and the Early Communist Movement 164 Conclusion 171 Chapter 7 The United Front 174 Introduction 174 An Alliance with Sun Yat-sen 176 Laboring for the United Front 182 A Visit to the Soviet Union 190 Conclusion 197 Chapter 8 The Last Years 200 Introduction 200 A Professional Revolutionary in North China 201 The Underground Struggle 210 Arrest and Execution 216 Conclusion 225 Epilogue 228 Abbreviations 240 Glossary 242 Notes 248 Bibliography 294 Index 314