Joseph Stalin

Edvard Radzinsky is a lucky, lucky man. Following the success of his first book, The Last Tsar, he was granted special access to libraries and record halls that had been closed since the October Revolution. His thorough analysis of the facts surrounding the life and times of Joseph Stalin are astounding in their concise basis. The truths revealed in STALIN are incredible, and shed light on one of the most enigmatic characters from history.
Radzinsky writes from personal experience. His father embraced the October revolution as ‘his’ revolution, and defined happiness as “Having the right to out onto the main square in town and to shout at the top of your voice, ‘Lord, what a bad government we have!’” Radzinsky’s father was obviously betrayed by the party he once embraced. Only through close friends and favors was Radsinsky’s father not killed by Stalin. His plays were highly controversial and his views were extreme. His father appreciated freedom, and he tried his...