Read, Ed., The Stalin Years - A Reader

Abstract

Christopher Read contributes a very good study of the years Joseph Stalin dominated the Soviet Union. In a short, yet exceptionally written first chapter, Read deals with the "main currents of interpretation of Stalin and the Stalin years." Read summarizes his strategy and the focus of his book in his "Preface," emphasizing what he is going to do and presents his two-fold aim-he leads "a self-contained journey through the Stalin years, focusing in detail on the main events" and, second, he samples new historiographical views emerging from Russian Archives.

A very good glossary of terms provides satisfactory definitions and explanations. Read also includes a chronology generally outlining Stalin's life and work by period, including the formative periods in Stalin's life. There is a good bibliography, including a representative list of general works on the historical period, and a list of specialized works on Stalin. This bibliography can be helpful to beginning students and to new faculty in Russian-Soviet studies. There is an adequate and useful index that aids in identifying individuals, geographical areas, movements, events, ideas, and topics.