Superb in its depiction and demystification of the most important force at work in China today. Essential, riveting guide to how the rising power really works -- Jonathan Fenby, Author Of The Penguin History Of Modern China McGregor is one of the best foreign journalists who have reported from China. The Party draws on two decades of superb reporting ... A fine contribution for those who want to know about the rising power they will face in the decades ahead -- Ezra Vogel, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University This is a marvellous and finely written study of how China is really run, and how its strange but successful system of Leninist capitalism really works. It should be read by anyone doing business with or just trying to understand China -- Bill Emmott, Former Editor Of The Economist Few outsiders have any realistic sense of the innards, motives, rivalries, and fears of the Chinese Communist leadership. But we all know much more than before, thanks to Richard McGregor's illuminating and richly-textured look at the people in charge of China's political machinery ... invaluable for anyone trying to make sense of China's future plans and choices -- James Fallows, National Correspondent For The Atlantic Fascinating and ambitious ... Richard McGregor lays bare the secretive machinery of the party -- Gady Epstein Forbes Indispens-able. If you read only one book about China this year, it should be this one. And if you do not read this book, you probably do not understand China today -- Arthur Kroeber China Economic Quarterly A book that is as informative as it is entertaining, and rich in the sort of anecdotes that put flesh on the bones of his arguments ... China has been transformed. There is no denying it. The system that takes the credit is brilliantly described by McGregor -- Chris Patten Financial Times McGregor has done the world a service with his fascinating new book -- Peter Hartcher Sydney Morning Herald A fascinating read ... in an age when Chinese economic influence is reaching new levels, it is an invaluable exercise in understanding the operation of the most powerful political party in the world -- Ian Kehoe Sunday Business Post A vivid narrative, sprinkled with humour and insightful analysis ... McGregor balances exposition of a heavy and intellectually demanding subject with anecdotes, lively quotes and word portraits of amazing characters, such as maverick Mr Idiot Seeds, Nian Guangjiu, or arrogant, reckless former Shanghai party boss Chen Liangyu ... An engrossing read South China Morning Post A compelling exploration of the world's largest and most successful political machine New Statesman Gripping ... McGregor brings to life the characters behind the icons of Chinese power and wealth, the figures that built the Shanghai skyline and rebuilt Beijing for the Olympics. More importantly, he gives us a feel for the dynamics behind China's rise Irish Times Illuminating and important ... McGregor has been able to write a lively and penetrating account of a party that, since its founding ... has clung to secrecy as an inviolable principle Washington Post Eminently readable ... McGregor has done a great service to those who would hope to better understand where China's power lies China Economic Review An illuminating glimpse behind the red curtain ... McGregor's lucid dissection shows how top-ranked party members - indeed the party itself - sit outside the law Metro [Mcgregor] has done a terrific job of parting the curtains [and] makes a convincing case that the party's elite has stealthily made itself more powerful and richer than ever behind a facade of economic reform ... This book has come at the right moment -- Michael Sheridan Sunday Times
