The Comintern: A History of International Communism from Lenin to Stalin

by Kevin McDermott, Jeremy Agnew

This accessible text provides a comprehensive narrative and interpretative account of the entire history of the Communist International, 1919-1943. By incorporating the most recent Western and Soviet research the authors explain the legendary complexities of Comintern history and chart its degeneration from a revolutionary internationalist organisation into an obedient instrument of Soviet foreign policy. Key themes include: continuities and discontinuities between the Leninist and Stalinist phases, Bolshevisation versus national traditions, and the role of leading individuals in the Comintern apparatus. A selection of documents will elucidate these central themes.

Genres: History, Politics

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Nathan Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protestations to the contrary, this doesn't step very far at all outside orthodox anti-Communist theses. Nonetheless, I guess 'it could have been worse' is becoming enough for me in this day and age, somehow. Moderately useful.