Founded in 1921, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has just celebrated its 90th anniversary. As the only ruling political party in China since 1949, CCP has been in firm control for over six decades while the rule of communist parties or long-serving leaders in other parts of the world has collapsed. CCP's enduring presence can be attributed to its populist origins, socialist principles, and tight control over its people. With this historical dictionary, Sullivan (Adelphi Univ.) presents an informative introduction to the CCP's history, organization, ideology, issues, and contradictions, followed by a detailed chronology (1917-2010) and over 400 entries on significant events, key people, places, and institutions. The volume includes three appendixes and a bibliography in three parts: "General Works on Chinese Politics, Economy, and Society," "Specialized Works on the Chinese Communist Party, Its Organization, and Leadership," and "Selected Internet Sites, 2003-2011." This is a welcome and up-to-date publication....Sullivan's dictionary will be useful for students in Chinese studies or political studies. Summing Up: Recommended.

Choice Reviews

The A to Z entries in the main body include well-researched, short essays on topics such as people, political movements, events, and organizations in the CCP history. The author has been a published scholar in Chinese history for the past four decades with a major focus on contemporary politics and environmental affairs. The contemporary issues and new political figures discussed are of particular value for students and researchers who would like to learn more about the development of the CCP and the country for the past few decades. Other valuable features include a chronology, organizational charts, and an extensive bibliography. This work is highly recommended for academic libraries.

American Reference Books Annual

Sullivan demonstrates an extensive knowledge of his subject with 400 articles, of between 50 and 2,000 words, on personalities, organizations, events, movements, concepts, policies, campaigns, slogans and technical terms significant to the Party throughout its history and up to the present day. . . . This useful Dictionary will be of great importance not just to China but to the world, and so this book deserves a wide circulation.

Reference Reviews