Stalin
(Edvard Radzinsky)
This book is a new biography of Joseph Stalin, one of the greatest
leaders and tyrants of the twentieth century. Its importance and uniqueness is
in the new information which was available to its author, some of Russia's
secret archives to which access was, until recently, denied. These archives
solve several mysteries regarding the life of Stalin and the events in which he
played a part, and support conjectures regarding several events, such as the
secret meeting between Stalin and Hitler.
The book is divided into three sections, reflecting Stalin's life as a
young boy, an active revolutionary and finally as a high ranking member of the
Communist Party. A man unhindered by any moral limitations, he used and
supported those which would serve his purpose only to discard them once they
were no longer of use. Among these was Lenin himself, whom Stalin worshiped for
years but shut out of the party once Lenin stood in his way.
Stalin was a very secretive persona, to the degree that he even had his
date of birth changed from the actual date. This is very reflective of all the
information regarding his life, actions and the motives behind them. The
author, a famous Russian play-write, allows himself therefore to deviate from
classical interpretations of several events, and will sometimes reject an
opposing theory simply based on his understanding of Stalin's character. One
such case is the fact that Stalin seems to have been taken by surprise by the
German betrayal during WWII, usually attributed as a terrible blunder on
Stalin's part. The author, who is unwilling to accept that Stalin would trust
anyone - let alone Hitler - presents his own interpretation for these events.
Though the beginning is a bit tedious, it is a great read, and
recommended highly.
Resumos Relacionados
- Stalingrad
- Koba El Temible
- Katyn: The Untold Story Of Stalin's Polish Massacre
- Animal Farm
- M-day: When The Ww Ii Started ?
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