In 'Stalin,' Oleg Khlevniuk unveils the complexities of one of history's most infamous leaders, providing a chilling portrait of Joseph Stalin's rise to power. The narrative explores his ruthless tactics, both political and personal, that shaped the Soviet Union's trajectory. Khlevniuk draws on newly available archival materials, offering fresh insights into Stalin's psyche and his reign of terror. As the layers of his character unfold, readers are left questioning the nature of power and its corrupting influence. This meticulous exploration reveals not just a dictator, but a man driven by ambition and fear, leaving us to ponder the cost of absolute authority.
By Oleg Khlevniuk
Published: 2015
"Power is not an end; it is a means to an end, and in the hands of those who wield it, it crystallizes the fears and aspirations of a nation."
Joseph Stalin exercised supreme power in the Soviet Union from 1929 until his death in 1953. During that quarter-century, by Oleg Khlevniuk's estimate, he caused the imprisonment and execution of no fewer than a million Soviet citizens per year. Millions more were victims of famine directly resulting from Stalin's policies. What drove him toward such ruthlessness? This essential biography, by the author most deeply familiar with the vast archives of the Soviet era, offers an unprecedented, fine-grained portrait of Stalin the man and dictator. Without mythologizing Stalin as either benevolent or an evil genius, Khlevniuk resolves numerous controversies about specific events in the dictator's life while assembling hundreds of previously unknown letters, memos, reports, and diaries into a comprehensive, compelling narrative of a life that left long-lasting scars on the peoples over which he ruled and altered the course of world history.--Adapted from book jacket.
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“Power is not an end; it is a means to an end, and in the hands of those who wield it, it crystallizes the fears and aspirations of a nation.”
Stalin
By Oleg Khlevniuk
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Oleg Khlevniuk is a distinguished Russian historian and biographer, known for his in-depth analysis of Soviet history and key figures, particularly Joseph Stalin. His notable works include 'Stalin: New Biography of a Dictator,' which provides a comprehensive overview of Stalin's life and legacy, and 'The History of the Gulag,' which illuminates the dark realities of the Soviet penal system. Khlevniuk's writing style is characterized by meticulous research and a commitment to historical accuracy, making complex subjects accessible to both academic and general audiences. He combines narrative clarity with critical insights, allowing readers to understand the broader implications of historical events.
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