This eyewitness account of the Russian Revolution by John Reed, an American who observed the Bolshevik upheaval firsthand, is an unparalleled modern classic. Reed recreates the swift, tumultuous events of November 1917, including the capture of the Winter Palace, the emergence of Lenin's political genius, and the carnage at the Kremlin wall. With passion and power, Ten Days That Shook The World illuminates for all time the unique and violent heritage of Soviet Russia.
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"This is an amazing book. If it were fiction i would categorize it as trashy pulp adventure suspense: From the very beginning we know the Bolsheviki are going to pull it off, but on every page there is something to stop them, something to save the country or ruin everyone or cause civil war or avoid civil war. What makes it gut wrenching is that it's a first hand account of actual events which lead a country of 150 million hoping for reform and democratic socialism into a totaliatarial state. What surprised me the most were two things: First: I had no idea how well educated, engaged and organized the milions of workers, peasants, students and soldiers were. Second: the Bolsheviks gained huge support from their insistence on negotiating an end to a war which had no real publicly stated aim (except victory), thereby forcing the other allies (Britain, france, and the US) to say that the war was being fought for democracy and self-determination. The fight of common peasants and factory workers caused uge chanes across the globe IMMEDIATELY."
— Petter (4 out of 5 stars)
" It is always fascinating to read a first hand chronicle of what we always heard about in history classes "
— Victor, 2/5/2014" The thing I like most about this book is that you feel like you're actually there in Petrograd taking part in the decision to seize power for the workers and peasants of Russia. Everyone around you is discussing and debating what to do in the political moment--fighting for their ideas. I left Ten Days with no doubt that human beings are capable of taking power away from the ruling classes of the world and placing it in their own hands; we can then experience a democracy unlike anything ever before dreamt of. "
— Dave, 2/4/2014" An excellent, sympathetic, eyewitness account of the Russian Revolution. Follows the Bolsheviks throughout the Russian Civil War in their struggle against the White army, and ocassionally against the Russian People. A crucial historical document. "
— chris, 1/27/2014" Wow, talk about a witness to history! John Reed was actually in Russia during the 1917 Revolution. He reports on it in detail, and you really feel like you are there beside him. This was used as the source material for Warren Beatty's excellent film Reds. "
— Amy, 1/18/2014" Super dense with facts but a good read once you muddle through it. Because it is about the Russian Revolution in 1917, it was a confusing task trying to keep all of the names and political parties straight. However, Reed's hybrid genre of journalistic storytelling kept me involved and intrigued. "
— Karissa, 12/23/2013" Extremely good book that gives a passioned accounting of politics in 1917. "
— Emiko, 12/3/2013" Great concept - insiders view of a social revolution. Difficult to read and not incredibly exciting. But does provide insight into how revolutions gain momentum. "
— Amy, 11/25/2013" The original pinko journalist gives his account of the Bolshevik revolution, that glorious day after which all Russians settled down to 70 yrs of draconian misrule and murderous folly.What fun eh? "
— Raegan, 11/6/2013" A great account of the revolution from the perspective of an american. "
— Taylor, 8/21/2013" An utterly riveting read, there are a fair few lessons for would-be revolutionaries to take from this work. Namely, the importance of coordinated organisation and planning and the essential task of ensuring that the men with the guns are on your side. "
— Keir, 7/25/2013" As a young man, I wanted to BE John Reed. "
— Frederic, 5/20/2013" Breathless eyewitness account of when the Communists took St Petersburg - confusing, exciting, unmissable. "
— Milan3009, 5/10/2013" I read this in high school after seeing the movie "Reds." I probably didn't understand a lot of it. "
— Jennifer, 4/1/2013" now i wanto to see warren beatty's "reds" again. "
— Bob, 2/10/2013" Saw the movie Reds and love the story but won't be changing my views. "
— David, 4/30/2012" The classic account of the Russian Revolution from a journalist who was there following events as they unfolded. This is a fascinating insight into a pivotal moment in history. "
— Gavin, 12/25/2011" Interesting propaganda. "
— Whiskeyb, 8/11/2011" Great concept - insiders view of a social revolution. Difficult to read and not incredibly exciting. But does provide insight into how revolutions gain momentum. "
— Amy, 3/12/2011" Outstanding. Amazing. An American witnesses the rise of the common people and the stamping out of the embers of the monarchy. Very well written. "
— James, 9/2/2010" Breathless eyewitness account of when the Communists took St Petersburg - confusing, exciting, unmissable. "
— Milan3009, 5/8/2010" Given subsequent events, Reed's enthusiasm for the Bolsheviks is sometimes hard to fathom. The most interesting parts of the book are where he reports on the events he witnessed. <br/> <br/>The copy I read was published in 1919, left on a plane at LAX and luckily returned. "
— Chris, 4/30/2010" The book opens with a warning that the first chapter is a dull list of the various people and factions involved with the Russian revolution. It's beyond dull, but you should push through it because the rest of the book is engrossing and an excellent read. "
— Jeffrey, 11/30/2009" The classic account of the Russian Revolution from a journalist who was there following events as they unfolded. This is a fascinating insight into a pivotal moment in history. "
— Gavin, 11/9/2008