From the author of The Last Tsar; the first full-scale life of Stalin to have what no previous biography has fully obtained: the facts. Granted privileged access to Russia's secret archives; Edvard Radzinsky paints a picture of the Soviet strongman as more calculating; ruthless; and blood-crazed than has ever been described or imagined. Stalin was a man for whom power was all; terror a useful weapon; and deceit a constant companion. 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.
#126590 in Books Dell Trade Paperbacks 2004-01-06 2004-01-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x 1.08 x 5.20l; .89 #File Name: 0385338457496 pagesGreat product!
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. One day; when my brain is fully awake; ...By Patty CakesOne day; when my brain is fully awake; I'm going to give it another read and see if I can get any more from it. I understand the concept; but something just doesn't click. Perhaps there really isn't anything to it; but another read might help to sort things out a bit.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Who is the Holy One?By Ruth AngelaThis historical "who dun it" is hard to put down. Who would think Charlemagne; Leonardo da Vinci and King Arthur would all have some mysterious link? The book leaves one hanging of course because the facts are still not definitive and may never be; but the links and implications leave the mind agog. Could the Roman Church have pulled off this incredible monstrous lie about Jesus and his life all these thousands of years? Have they murdered; maimed and tortured people who did not support their LIES? It doth seem so!Reading about the "real" man behind this story; whether he had a twin brother; whether he married Magdalene or Mary of Bethany and had teenage children; whether he was in fact a true king of Jerusalem with a claim to royalty; whether he was a political activist; and even if he was actually the person crucified; I feel an incredible validation of my heart's knowledge. I have loved Jesus so deeply through most of my life; but so many of the New Testament "stories" never resonated in my heart. Why did the Christmas story seem fabricated and Hollywood style; why could I never quite feel the resurrection of the body as real; why does "turn the other cheek" allow despots to become more powerful not less? It did not add up. This book explains why and it is not pretty. There is some heavy karma to pay on someone's part for all the lies we have been shovelled.But finally I now feel that the Jesus that did live; perhaps came to Europe with his uncle; Joseph of Arimathea; and brought his wife; Magdalene after the political fiasco of the crucifiction is a living; breathing being who changed the world. He brought us a message and that has not been mutilated thank goodness. It has come through in spite of the worst efforts to hide and obscure it because it comes from a clear spirit. I am very happy these two French writers did not give up on this project. It is most valuable research.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book turns everything you think you know about Christianity upside down!By HarleyI found out about this book in the early '80's and happened to be in London at the time. I read the introduction and found out that the BBC had made 3 Chronicle documentaries on this subject over the decade of the 70's. Long story short; I was able to view the documentaries which lead me to buy the book. Once I opened it; I put it down several times so I could absorb what Henry Lincoln'sresearch team found out and in what order; it was the best mystery story I have ever read! This book began a quest which I amstill following; and Dan Brown must have had a similar reaction as he took much of the nonfiction book and turned it into hisvastly successful novel; "The Da Vinci Code!"
