Harold Shukman Book order

A pocket biography of one of history's most ruthless leaders

Exploring the complex life of Gregory Rasputin, this biography reveals his transformation from an uneducated peasant in Siberia to a controversial figure in Russian history. Initially embraced for his healing abilities, particularly for the hemophiliac heir, Rasputin's unorthodox religious views and charismatic allure led to scandal and exploitation among the aristocracy. His influence over Empress Alexandra and involvement in political affairs ultimately made him a target, culminating in his assassination in 1916 amid accusations of corruption and moral decay.

A former general in the Soviet Army's propaganda department, Director of the Institute for Military History, and Defence Adviser to President Yeltsin from 1991 to his death from cancer in December 1995, Dmitri Volkogonov had unrivalled access to Soviet military archives, Communist Party documents and secret presidential files. Basing this book on these inside sources, he reveals the truth behind the activities of the world's most secretive political leaders. He throws new light on: Lenin's paranoia about foreigners in Russia; his creation of a privileged system for top Party members; Stalin's repression of the nationalities and his singular conduct of foreign policy; the origins and conduct of the Korean War; Khrushchev's relationship with the odious secret service chief Beria; Brezhnev's vanity and stupidity; the Afghan War; Poland and Solidarity; Soviet bureaucracy; and Gorbachev's Leninism and role in history.

Traces the life of the Soviet leader, uses the secret Soviet archives to reveal new information, and argues that Lenin set in motion many of the worst excesses of the state later expanded by Stalin

A star cast of distinguished contributors including Dmitri Volkogonov, John Erickson, Catherine Andreyev, David Glantz, and Oleg Rzheshevsky paint a crucial portrait of a defining period in world history. Unlike most military history, which usually deals with large-scale army movements and campaign strategy, this looks at the training, experience, and personalities of the generals themselves. The result is illuminating, revealing how 25 men succeeded in taking Stalin from the Volga to Berlin.