LENIN: A Biography

A reporter's approach to a comprehensive study of Lenin, as man, as revolutionary, as leader of one sixth of the world. Not a political approach, in spite of the fact that Mr. Shub has been a Communist, and presents the background of Russian Communism,- a history of revolutionary thought and tactics from the early 19th century year 1924. The death of Lenin's idolized elder brother brought about this decision to devote himself to the cause for which he had died. There is something of his personal life with friends and family, his relationships inside the party and outside, the revolutions of 1905 and 1917, the negotiations with Germany, the second revolution of 1917 in October, which brought Lenin to power, and directed Russia into the paths it pursues today. The author views Lenin as at once dictator and great man; his ideology is implicit in the text as well as the appendix of excerpts from his writings. Not a definitive book on Lenin, but one that contributes a sound middle-of-the-road analysis of the man.