Stalin's massive impact on Soviet history is often explained in terms of his inherent evil; personality defects and power lust. While not rejecting these notions; Kevin McDermott argues that Stalin's thoughts and actions are best contextualised in the inter-relationship between war and revolution in the first half of the twentieth century. The author presents the case for taking the Soviet dictator seriously as a Marxist revolutionary whose fundamental beliefs and modus operandi were forged in the cauldron of civil and international wars; ideologically driven class wars and revolutionary upheavals associated with the 'age of catastrophe'; 1914-45. Only by so doing can the complex motivations for such cataclysmic events as the Great Terror be adequately addressed.Incorporating recently declassified materials from the former Soviet Party archives; this new appraisal of Stalin also provides a critical review of the latest western and Russian historiography. It is essential reading for anyone studying the debates on one of the leading figures of Soviet history.
#859367 in Books Walter R Borneman 2015-04-14 2015-04-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 1.25 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 031622099X496 pagesAmerican Spring
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An American Spring and an English WinterBy Col Art Loughry; Marine Corps RetiredMr. Borneman does current readers by favor by framing the importance of the stand that was made in two small New England towns. The battle was a small victory against a terrible regime who refused to recognize the rights of men. But he goes beyond the astonishing setback for a poorly organized English force to show its ultimate impact on the entire Revolution. The die was cast no matter who fired first. There was no recovery and the road to independence had lots of bumps; but the mind set that there could only be freedom was created by those who gave their all on Battle Road. Well done. The author gives today's reader a chance to dwell on details of what might have been. I am particularly impressed by his recognition of women and black slaves who st00d up to a well trained army. A must read for all Americans.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Know the facts before you visit this area!By Kindle CustomerInteresting book I read before visiting Boston and Lexington/Concord. It is amazing how much Borneman documents each fact and how many of those facts are lost to today's citizens. I had to correct the bus driver several times during the Vitator tour because his information was incorrect. It is also sad how many young people do not know our history! Read the book and learn about American history and how we became a great country.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Hope Does Not Spring EternalBy PaulI have a lot of respect for Walter Borneman; and enjoyed his book on the admirals of the second world war.This book is ok; but for me it was slow and nothing much new and going back over material covered a thousand times in other books. The killing at Lexington and Concord was the culmination of a long progress of mistakes; largely made by the British Parliament and 1772 was the defiant year when Rhode Islanders burned the stranded Gaspee.Perhaps I was spoiled by Nick Bunker's book AN Empire on the Edge which went into much more detail with the events in London and the economic collapse of 1772 there.This book is somewhat window dressing. Interesting enough but not compelling.
