MAO ZEDONG (1893-1976). Mao Zhuxi Yulu [Quotations from Chairman Mao]. [Peking: General Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, 1964]. 12mo. [x], 250, [2, blank] pp. Illustrated with a sepia portrait of Mao. Original publisher's wrappers, front wrapper printed in black and red, spine printed in red, THE RARE FIRST EDITION IN PRINTED PAPER WRAPPERS, COMPLETE WITH THE ENDORSEMENT LEAF BY LIN BIAO. All copies in paper wrappers contain the corrected text on pp. [82/83], this error only found in red vinyl copies. This famous book was compiled for internal use for the People's Liberation Army two years before the Cultural Revolution and was issued in either wrappers or red vinyl bindings. According to the editor in charge, copies in wrappers were intended for the use of high-ranking officers, and red vinyl copies were meant for brigades of eight men each.

This title, sometimes known as the "little red book" (due to the more common red vinyl version), was one of the most printed title during the 1960s and 1970s, with copies printed in the billions (as claimed by some). During Mao's reign, this book was mainly responsible for creating his cult of personality and fanatical devotion from his followers. Although its importance waned after the Cultural Revolution, it is still considered to be one of the most important political tracts of all time. 

Some toning, soiling, mild wear, creasing to wrappers, creasing to joints visible, one tear to spine (possibly repaired), text lightly toned with occasional minor soiling, previous owner's red inkstamp ("Huang Wei"?) and neat inscription in ballpoint pen on title-page near inner margin. Still, a near fine copy of this rarity, better than usually seen.