If you're into the more tradition forms of Daoist texts this is not going to be the book for you as the formatting is very different from what is typically presented. It is rather lengthy compared to other Daoist texts and lacks the typical notes that litter many translated Daoist texts as thankfully there is a lack of a need for notes explaining certain things.
Knowing some 20th history of China can help with understanding the book but what will be the thing that will help the most with understanding this book is alike to all other Daoist texts is rereading the book.