The Beijing Olympics, as every single commentator is apparently required by law to note, have provided China with an opportunity to show its shiny new modernizing face to the world. But what of the old China, the nation of Chairman Mao and five year plans? Let's not be so quick to forget about that.

Chinese Propaganda Posters, an amazing collection of classic exhortations to the proletariat, was recently republished by Taschen. The collection features a wide range of propaganda pieces designed "to show the Chinese people what sort of behavior was considered morally correct and how great the future of Communist China would be if everyone followed the same path toward utopia by uniting together. Combining fact and fiction in a way typical of propaganda art, these posters exuded positive vibes and seemed to suggest that Mao was an omnipresent force that would accompany China to happiness and greatness."

The posters provide a fascinating look back at China from both a political and aesthetic standpoint. We've selected several for your enjoyment.

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