This new biography of Stalin offers an accessible and up-to-date representation of one of the twentieth century s defining figures, as well as new insights, analysis and illumination to deepen our understanding of his actions, intentions, and the nature of the power that he wielded.

Christopher Read examines Stalin s contribution to and impact on Russian and world events in the first half of the twentieth century. The biography brings together the avalanche of sources and scholarship which followed the collapse of the system Stalin constructed, including the often neglected...