Product Description

The main architect of the concept of perestroika under Gorbachev, Alexander N. Yakovlev played a unique role in the transformation of the Soviet Union. Now, drawing on his own experiences and on his privileged access to state and Party archives, he reflects on the evils of the system that shaped the country he loves.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #867911 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-10
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .84 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Review
"Among the best 250 pages you will ever read on Stalin." Simon Sebag Montefiore, Sunday Times "A searing book." Bill Keller, New York Times; "Well documented... Yakovlev provides a systematic and keenly insightful analysis of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Soviet system up to its collapse. This is a book that deserves to be widely read." Aurel Braun, Globe and Mail (Toronto); "The quest for truth and justice erupts with explosive force in this book." David Pryce-Jones, National Review; "A fierce, raging indictment of the Soviet system." Virginia Quarterly Review"

From the Back Cover
"A profoundly moving and powerfully documented indictment of Lenin's and Stalin's crimes, written by a man of conscience who served on the Politburo in the waning days of the Soviet Union. Perhaps after reading it, Putin will wonder whether it is still appropriate to be honoring near the Kremlin Lenin's embalmed corpse!" -Zbigniew Brzezinski

About the Author
Alexander N. Yakovlev is president of the International Democracy Foundation in Moscow and chair of Russia's Presidential Commission for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression.