The Party’s Interests Come First: Xi Zhongxun Biography
The Party’s Interests Come First is Joseph Torigian’s biography of Xi Zhongxun, father of Xi Jinping. It follows Xi Zhongxun’s decades in the Chinese Communist Party, connecting his political career and family story with the history of modern China.
At a glance
- A biography of Xi Zhongxun, whose political career spanned more than seven decades in the CCP, according to the listing.
- Covers his role in the revolutionary period, China’s reform era and the Party’s United Front efforts.
- The description frames the book as both political history and a personal story about identity and Party demands.
- The publisher describes it as the first English-language biography of Xi Zhongxun.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Links Xi Zhongxun’s life to major episodes in the Chinese revolution and the early decades of the People’s Republic.
- The stated focus on newly used documents, interviews, diaries and periodicals may appeal to readers seeking a source-rich biography.
- Its combination of political history and personal narrative offers more than a narrowly chronological account.
Cons
- At 718 pages, it is a substantial read rather than a short introduction.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Stanford University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 3 Jun. 2025 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 718 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1503634752 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1503634756 |
| Dimensions | 15.24 x 5.08 x 22.86 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.09 kg |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of modern Chinese history and biographies of Chinese political figures.
- Readers interested in the CCP, the reform era, United Front policy and the political legacy surrounding Xi Jinping.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a brief overview or a biography focused primarily on Xi Jinping himself.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
76% 76% - 4 stars
14% 14% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
The supplied evidence contains aggregate ratings but no written customer feedback, so it does not establish what readers specifically liked or criticised. The rating distribution is mostly in the top two star categories, with a smaller three-star share. This offers a favourable but limited signal about reader reception, not evidence about the book’s accuracy, style or suitability for a particular reader.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the biography about?
It is about Xi Zhongxun, the Chinese revolutionary and father of Xi Jinping.
What historical subjects does the book cover?
The supplied description covers Xi Zhongxun’s CCP career, the Chinese revolution, the reform era after Mao’s death, United Front efforts and the Party’s response to the 1989 Tiananmen protests.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 718 pages.
What language is this edition?
The listed language is English.
Alternative options
1873: The First Great Depression and the Making of the Modern World
£19.98
1929: Inside the Crash
£10.99
Chokepoints: How Economic Warfare is Changing the World - FT BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED
£8.99
House of Huawei: Shortlisted for the Financial Times Business Book of the Year 2025
£7.82
Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future
£10.90
