Biography Of A Major Figure In Modern Chinese History.as One Of The Founders Of The Chinese Communist Party, Li Dazhao (18891927) 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.