From a highly distinguished author on the subject, this biography is an excellent scholarly introduction to one of the key figures of the Russian Revolution and post-Tsarist Russia. Not only does it make use of archive material made newly available in the glasnost and post-Soviet eras, it re-examines traditional sources as well, providing an original interpretation of Lenin's life and historical importance.

Focal points of this study are:

• Lenin's revolutionary ascetic personality
• how he exploited culture, education and propaganda
• his relationship to Marxism
• his changing class analysis of Russia
• his 'populist' instincts.

A prominent figure at the forefront of debates on the Russian revolution, Read makes sure that Lenin remains in his place as a highly influential and significant figure of the recent past.