Radzinsky begins the book in Stalin's childhood. Much of his childhood is mysterious because his parents's may not be truly known in addition to the fact that Stalin altered his birthday. Stalin evolves from studying for a life in the ministry to following the radical beliefs of Lenin. With Stalin following close behind, Lenin would create a government that was based on the ideas of Karl Marx, but more closely resembled a facist regime. After Lenin's death, Stalin would become the leader of the Soviet Government. During his tenure, he would kill more Russians than any Russian War. He would murder his enimies and murder his allies once he suspected a threat of discontent. He even ordered his own son to be murdered once he suspected his son betrayed his country. The book also discusses the belief that Stalin murdered his second wife.
Radzinsky spent too little time discussing Stalin's effects on World War II. The author does discuss Stalin's support for Hitler in the hope that Hitler might spur the revolution that would end capitalism. There is little time spent on Stalin's relationship with Roosevelt and Churchill. This disappointed me.
The circumstances of Stalin's death are discussed at length. The suggested cause of Stalin's death is murder. Khrushchev is the most likely perpetrator based on the evidence. What is unknown is the circumstances that let up to Stalin's demise. Did a brain hemorrhage in Stalin cause Khrushchev to take measures to end Stalin more quickly? Was Khrushchev just trying to prevent Stalin's attempts at a Soviet war against Soviet Jews? These matters are discussed at length.
The only problem I had with the book is Radzinsky's tendancy to leave his topic. He goes for pages discussing important matters in Russian History which do not directly involve Stalin. This is a tendancy in all of Radzinsky's books based on the reviews I have read.
