A thought-provoking work by a singular voice, this short, sharp essay invites us to critically reconsider power, ideology and the boundaries of free speech.

Invisible, invasive and widely taken for granted, censorship is a globalized force as much driven by commercial interests as political agendas. Ai Weiwei – artist, activist and one of the world’s most influential cultural figures – has first-hand experience of its power. In this urgent piece of writing, he makes a rallying cry for free speech in an age shaped by big data, mass surveillance and intrusive new technologies of control.

Ai Weiwei examines how censorship persists both in the overt propagandizing and redactions of authoritarian regimes, as well as subtly within democratic frameworks, exploring how international corporations, cultural institutions, social media and so-called ideologies of ‘freedom’ have provided fertile ground for new, more insidious, suppressions.

Ai Weiwei – one of the world’s most famous artists and activists – weaves a century-long epic tale of China through the story of his own life and that of his father, Ai Qing, the nation’s most celebrated poet.

‘Engrossing…a remarkable story’ Sunday Times

Here, through the sweeping lens of his own and his father’s life, Ai Weiwei tells an epic tale of China over the last 100 years, from the Cultural Revolution to the modern-day Chinese Communist Party.

Here is the story of a childhood spent in desolate exile after his father, Ai Qing, once China’s most celebrated poet, fell foul of the authorities. Here is his move to America as a young man and his return to China, his rise from unknown to art-world superstar and international rights activist. Here is his extraordinary account of how his work has been shaped by living under a totalitarian regime.

It’s the story of a father and a son, of exceptional creativity and passionate belief, and of how two indomitable spirits enabled the world to understand their country.

‘A story of inherited resilience and self-determination’ Observer

‘A majestic and exquisitely serious masterpiece about his China… One of the great voices of our time’ Andrew Solomon

‘Intimate, unflinching…an instant classic’ Evan Osnos, author of Age of Ambition

‘Above all a story of inherited resilience, strength of character and self-determination’ Observer

Chinese dissident. Ground-breaking artist. Global icon.

Here, through the sweeping, extraordinary story of his own and his father’s lives, Ai Weiwei tells an epic tale of China over the last 100 years.

He recounts a childhood in exile in a desolate place known as ‘Little Siberia’, his move to America as a young man and eventual return home, then his rise from unknown to art-world superstar and international human rights activist – and how his work has been shaped by living under a totalitarian regime.

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows is a story of exceptional creativity and passionate political beliefs, and a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect freedom of expression.

*A GUARDIAN AND OBSERVER BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021*

‘Intimate, unflinching … an instant classic’ Evan Osnos, author of Age of Ambition