This New York Times article was written by Fox Butterfield. It is an obituary style description of the life of Mao Tse-tung. It covers Mao's role in the Chinese independence, his efforts to make China an industrial, socialist state, the Cultural Revolution purges of 1966, the opening to the West in the 1970's, and the rift with Russia. Also included in the article is information' about the character of Mao. It describes his ruthlessness in putting down political opposition. It also comments on Mao's three marriages and gives examples of his skill in writing poetry. The narrative is easy to read and could be a good source of information for students or teachers. No activities or graphics are included.