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As Radzinsky narrates the high drama of Stalin's epic quest for domination-first within the Communist Party, then over the Soviet Union and the world-he uncovers the startling truth about this most enigmatic of historical figures. Only now, in the post-Soviet era, can what was suppressed be told: Stalin's long-denied involvement with terrorism as a young revolutionary; the crucial importance of his misunderstood, behind-the-scenes role during the October Revolution; his often hostile relationship with Lenin; the details of his organization of terror, culminating in the infamous show trials of the 1930s; his secret dealings with Hitler, and how they backfired; and the horrifying plans he was making before his death to send the Soviet Union's Jews to concentration camps-tantamount to a potential second Holocaust. Radzinsky also takes an intimate look at Stalin's private life, marked by his turbulent relationship with his wife Nadezhda, and recreates the circumstances that led to her suicide.
As he did in The Last Tsar, Radzinsky thrillingly brings the past to life. The Kremlin intrigues, the ceaseless round of double-dealing and back-stabbing, the private worlds of the Soviet Empire's ruling class-all become, in Radzinsky's hands, as gripping and powerful as the great Russian sagas. And the riddle of that most cold-blooded of leaders, a man for whom nothing was sacred in his pursuit of absolute might--and perhaps the greatest mass murderer in Western history--is solved.
Anonymous
Posted June 5, 2007
This is a cleverly written biography, by a playwright who knows how to keep a reader's interest. It's a page turner, complete with cliffhanger chapter conclusions. Covers Stalin's life from birth to death. Uncovers the knowns and unknowns, secrets, and Stalin's extraordinary career. At times chilling, always fascinating, written from a Russian native who was a child in Stalin's last years and whose father suffered the full effects of Stalinism. It is the equal of the bios by Conquest and Service, but I think a bit more readable and personal (like The Gulag Archipalego). You learn quite a bit about the wmotions and fear that came with living under Stalin. I heartily recommend Radzinsky's 'Stalin.'
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 27, 2001
This biography written with access to the Soviet archives previously kept secret gives the story of Joseph Stalin, from his childhood dreams of becoming a priest, to becoming an idealistic communist and finally progressing to Tyrant when his taste for power led to the deaths of miiiions of people, both Soviet and foreign. Stalin's crimes against humanity make Adolf Hitler look like a boy scout. This book is a must read for any person believing that communism is a better form of existance over democracy and capitalism.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 28, 2008
This book doesnt keep the reader's attention. In the beginning when Radzinsky wrote about Stalin's childhood he formed it interestingly. He wrote it almost as a story while keeping you guessing to figure out his history. But then as you move on to the next section of his life the author just starts listing names places and dates that the reader can never remember. By just throwing information at the reader the reader cannot recall any information on the man. Its a really slow read, if youre lucky to finish it.
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 24, 2000
he basically wrote a book by using other peoples letters as the bulk of his chapters. He takes muliple chapters to make one point.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 13, 2012
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Posted April 24, 2012
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Posted May 25, 2009
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Posted December 15, 2008
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Overview
As Radzinsky narrates the high drama ...