Introduction -- The problem of "feudal despotism" in Marx and China -- Intellectual and political controversies over authority: 1895-1922 -- Political authority in the Chinese Communist Party, theory and practice: 1921-1949 -- The struggle over leadership and authority in the CCP, 1949-1959 -- The struggle over leadership and authority in the CCP, 1959-1976 -- Epilogue: on the "question of Mao".