The Chinese Cultural Revolution
A History

This book analyzes the Cultural Revolution through the conflict between innovation and a top-down enforcement of modernity.

Paul Clark (Author)

9780521697866, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 31 March 2008

368 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.49 kg

'Clark's work is an important first step and a useful reference on the diverse culture of the period.' The Journal of Asian Studies

An intriguing study of cultural life during a turbulent and formative decade in contemporary China, this book seeks to explode several myths about the Cultural Revolution (officially 1966–76). Through national and local examination of the full range of cultural forms (film, operas, dance, other stage arts, music, fine arts, literature, and even architecture), Clark argues against characterizing this decade as one of chaos and destruction. Rather, he finds that innovation and creativity, promotion of participation in cultural production, and a vigorous promotion of the modern were all typical of the Cultural Revolution. Using a range of previously little-used materials, Clark forces us to fundamentally reassess our understanding of the Cultural Revolution, a period which he sees as the product of innovation in conflict with the effort by political leaders to enforce a top-down modernity.

Introduction
1. Modelling a new culture
2. Spreading the new models
3. Fixing culture on film
4. Elaborating culture: dance, music, stage, and fine arts
5. Writing wrongs: public and private fictions and resistance
6. Conclusion: forcing modernity.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], Asian history [HBJF]