Calhoun presents a thoroughly researched yet intimate account of the protest, its motivations, and its implications in a way that goes beyond mere sympathy for the students and martyrs. He does point out the shortcomings and the aspects of elitism in the movement, yet ultimately he demonstrates the bravery, the aspirations, and the desire for basic human rights championed not only by young intellectuals but also the working class and other groups often overlooked in so-called "student movements.

Calhoun presents a thoroughly researched yet intimate account of the protest, its motivations, and its implications in a way that goes beyond mere sympathy for the students and martyrs. He does point out the shortcomings and the aspects of elitism in the movement, yet ultimately he demonstrates the bravery, the aspirations, and the desire for basic human rights championed not only by young intellectuals but also the working class and other groups often overlooked in so-called "student movements."



The book is divided up into two parts, the first being chronological and the second delving into the psychology of the protests. All in all, this is a great choice for someone interested in a first in-depth look at the Tiananmen Square incident, like me, although the analysis in the second half may prove insightful to anyone.



Even as an American, I ended up learning a lot about democracy from these Chinese protestors from 1989. Reading this book in light of recent events in the world, I am left simultaneously in chills and inspired.