Thursday, June 25, 2009

Monkey Farts

“The monkey in Mao, out of sight in the 1940s, returned to disperse a fart or two in the golden temple of accomplishment.”

p. 205.  Mao by Ross Terrill.

I continue to absolutely love the turns of phrase that Terrill inflicts upon the pages of his books.  Overall, I think it’s a substandard biography, so far.  I’ve read more than one biography of Mao and Terrill gives very delicate treatment to Mao’s brutality.  I sense that Terrill is a bit too sympathetic and accepting of communist brutality. 

Still… the man knows how to turn a phrase.  It’s a delightful read.

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Posted by Owen at 2024 hrs
Culture

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