The lives of three men who made the Russian Revolution possible Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin are the focus of this biographical account of the rise of socialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bertram Wolfe, a political scientist and historian of Russia, knew Trotsky and Stalin personally, and here brings his profound insider's knowledge to bear on his subjects. Three Who Made a Revolution recounts the early lives and influences of the three leaders, and shows the development of their diverging ideologies as decades gave strength to their cause and brought Russia closer to its turning point, a revolution that would alter the course of the twentieth century."

This book provides some of the elements of a general theory of totalitarianism with specific analysis of its manifestations in the various aspects of Soviet life. It will be useful in making clearer the conformation behind the calculated and bewildering changes in the day-to-day Soviet line.

This book provides some of the elements of a general theory of totalitarianism with specific analysis of its manifestations in the various aspects of Soviet life. It will be useful in making clearer the conformation behind the calculated and bewildering changes in the day-to-day Soviet line.

Disillusioned by communism as a young man, Wolfe devoted his life to the study and writing of Russian history. These essays show how clearly he understood the precious quality of freedom and the durability of despotism as it is experienced under totalitarian governments. His analyses of the contemporary Soviet scene, though often at odds with prevailing opinion, have repeatedly proven to be correct.
Originally published in 1981.
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