The definitive work on Stalin’s purges, The Great Terror was universally acclaimed when it first appeared in 1968. In recent years, even the former Soviet Union has come to call it the definitive account of the period. While the original volume relied heavily on unofficial sources, later developments within the Soviet Union provided an avalanche of new material, which Conquest has mined, to write this revised and updated edition of his classic work. Under the light of fresh evidence, it is remarkable how many of Conquest’s most disturbing conclusions have been verified. Many details have also been added, including hitherto secret information on the three great “Moscow Trials,” the purge of writers and other members of the intelligentsia, life in the labor camps, and many other key matters. Both a leading historian and a highly respected poet, Conquest blends profound research with evocative prose to create a compelling and eloquent chronicle of one of the twentieth century’s most tragic events.
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"Robert Conquest does a quite commendable job in this re-examination of the Great Terror. I've read a couple other books and they left me with questions. This book answered those questions, and more. Particuarly the background, what set off the Great Terror, is something about which I'd been left wondering. A wonderful addition to the field by an experienced and knowledgable researcher." — Bur (4 out of 5 stars)
"Robert Conquest does a quite commendable job in this re-examination of the Great Terror. I've read a couple other books and they left me with questions. This book answered those questions, and more. Particuarly the background, what set off the Great Terror, is something about which I'd been left wondering. A wonderful addition to the field by an experienced and knowledgable researcher."
“Mr. Conquest’s stature in the historiography of modern Europe is assured...Stalin was not only the master criminal; he was the master concealer. It took a master detective, and a poet, like Mr. Conquest, to unmask him completely.”
“The reader comes away feeling that the author knows every event of the Soviet years, that no remotely accessible document has escaped his attention...when questions, ideas, or suppositions arise in you, reader, the author invariably answers these mental queries a few pages later...Having finished this book, no one can ever again say: ‘I didn’t know.’ Now we all know.”
“A terrifying record from the best of all commentators on Stalin’s USSR.”
“[A] broad, well-documented portrayal...This remains an essential source, and any library without it should buy it.”
" Great book if you already know a lot about Stalin - I will probably re-read this book after I read other books on Stalin "
" durrrrrrRRR "
" Another Conquest title, this is a reassessment if you want to use this book to brain somebody. Not a light read but so well documented and described that it is The Assessment. "
" This is a very tough read, but well worth the effort. I had no idea what a monster Stalin was. "
" In the past year, I've had a strong fascination with how power is exercised in society. This book is a brilliant explanation of why the Purges occurred and what Stalin had to gain from something that in many respects crippled Russia for generations. "
" One of the first books (perhaps the very first) published in the West about the nature of Stalin's terror. "
" Wonderful early (1968) detailed account of Stalin's purges and show trials of the late 1930s. Engrossing subject matter and vivid, excellent writing; Conquest updated this book as "The Great Terror: A Reassessment" in the 1990s. "
" Huge book, full of details but, but, incredibly quickly read. Numbers and vastness are overwhelming. Can't help thinking 'how could it happen?, how did Stalin succeed?'. A masterpiece on dictatorship on masses. "
" Documented for the first time the real record of Stalinism in the Soviet Union. A genuine monument of historical research and reconstruction, a true epic of evil. "
" "Stalin is not a nice guy. We get it. This book was torture." "
" The authoritative work on one of history's darkest periods "
" The most comprehensive account of Stalin's purges of the 1930's. More than most readers will want to know, for those interested in this period, it is a must read. "
" One of the most important books written in the 20th century. "
" Awesome research. A bit of a slog. How many show trials can one take in? How many millions purged or sent to the gulag can you stomach? A staggering story. "
" This is, along with Bullock's "Hitler and Stalin," the seminal work on Stalin and the viral spread of his deadly power. "
" There is no way an American can comprehend how evil a government Stalin was running. Read this book for a taste. "
Robert Conquest, historian, poet, literary critic, and political writer, is the author of many books in these fields, including such classic works on Soviet history as The Great Terror and The Harvest of Sorrow, both published to much acclaim in the Soviet Union itself. He is at present a senior research fellow at the Hoover Institute, Stanford University.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.
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