Lenin A Revolutionary Life

In this excellent and reliable introduction to one of the key figures of the Russian Revolution and post-tsarist Russia, Christopher Read draws on a broad range of primary and secondary sources, making use of archive material made available in the Glasnost and post-Soviet eras.

From a highly distinguished author on the subject, this biography is an excellent scholarly introduction to one of the key figures of the Russian Revolution and post-Tsarist Russia. Not only does it make use of archive material made newly available in the glasnost and post-Soviet eras, it re-examines traditional sources as well, providing an original interpretation of Lenin's life and historical importance. Focal points of this study are: Lenin's revolutionary ascetic personality how he exploited culture, education and propaganda his relationship to Marxism his changing class analysis of Russia his 'populist' instincts. A prominent figure at the forefront of debates on the Russian revolution, Read makes sure that Lenin remains in his place as a highly influential and significant figure of the recent past.

ContentsIntroduction 1. Choosing Revolution 2. Laying the Foundations of Leninism (1896-1902) 3. Constructing Leninism 4. Imperialism, War and Revolution 5. From the Finland Station to the Winter Palace 6. From Classroom to Laboratory - Early Experiments 7. Revolutionary War 8. Re-evaluation, Succession and Testament Conclusion. Further Reading Timeline

Christopher Read is Professor of Modern European History at the University of Warwick. He is author of From Tsar to Soviets: The Russian People and Their Revolution, 1917-21 (1996), Culture and Power in Revolutionary Russia (1990) and The Making and Breaking of the Soviet System (2001).