Stalin and Stalinism

by Martin McCauley

Who was Stalin and what did he achieve? Why did he come to power and how did he use that power? The third edition of this best-selling Seminar Study answers these questions and provides the latest research, interpretations and historiographical debates about one of the most fascinating figures of the twentieth century. One of the most successful and lethal dictators of the twentieth century, Stalin transformed the Soviet Union into a modern industrial state. While he demonstrated Russia's huge potential if harnessed correctly, Stalin's brand of coercive socialism sent millions to their deaths in the process. The debate about Stalin's role in creating the Soviet superpower still rages. Was the violence justified? To what extent was Stalin the master of events? Now thoroughly updated to incorporate the most recent research, and including a completely new chapter on Stalin's personality and power, the new edition provides the essential introduction to the Stalin phenomenon.

Genres: History, Russian History

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Martin McCauley is author, senior lecturer at the university of London on Eastern Europe, China and the new terrorism.

Reviews

[Krocht Ehlundovič · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book as a good studying material for students who study Soviet history - mainly Stalin and his era. The book contains a well written analysis, however kind of simplistic - but it is normal as the book is not a highly academic study. The content is balanced, and the author always brings other perspectives how to interpret the historical events - which allows students to think and assess particular approaches (this aspect I appreciate the most!). So far I have met only few school books being written in this way - and none in my country (Slovakia).

Besides the analysis and perspectives, the book offers range of documents which can be use in various ways... The only deficit of the book is the lack of activities and a sample of history essay, because we always speak about how it should be done, but to see a specific example of answer/essay is something different.

[Channing · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring as hell, with the occasional amusing line

[Rumaysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A decent, if rather dry book that encapsulates Stalin’s rule and analyses his actions in thorough detail. I appreciated the occasional and hence quite surprising humour injected by McCauley.

[Mihai Popa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introductory book, approaching I.V. Stalin's personality and historical context in a very concise and practical way. The Documents section and the bibliography are very useful for the subject.

[Luke Nichol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sharp introduction to the cult of personality and the Bolshevik regime under Josef Stalin.