Lenin - The Definitive Biography - Robert Service

Lenin: The Definitive Biography

Robert Service's Lenin: The Definitive Biography is a magisterial work of scholarship that offers a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. Drawing on a wealth of new sources, Service provides a fresh and insightful perspective on Lenin's life and career, from his early years as a revolutionary to his rise to power as the leader of the Bolshevik Party and the first head of the Soviet state.

A Revolutionary Life

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was born in Simbirsk, Russia, in 1870. He came from a well-to-do family, and his father was a school inspector. Lenin was a brilliant student, and he excelled in his studies. He became interested in politics at an early age, and he was drawn to the revolutionary movement.

In 1887, Lenin joined the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP). He quickly became a leading figure in the party, and he was arrested several times for his political activities. In 1900, he was exiled to Siberia, where he spent three years.

After his release from exile, Lenin continued to work for the revolution. He helped to organize the Bolshevik Party, which split from the RSDLP in 1903. Lenin believed that the Bolsheviks should be a vanguard party of professional revolutionaries who would lead the working class to power.

The Russian Revolution

In 1917, the Russian Revolution broke out. Lenin returned to Russia from exile and took control of the Bolshevik Party. He led the Bolsheviks to victory in the October Revolution, and he became the first head of the Soviet state.

Lenin's government faced many challenges, including the civil war, the economic crisis, and the threat of foreign intervention. However, Lenin was able to consolidate his power and establish a new communist regime in Russia.

Lenin's Legacy

Lenin died in 1924 at the age of 53. He left behind a mixed legacy. He was a brilliant revolutionary and a gifted leader, but he was also a ruthless dictator. Lenin's policies had a profound impact on Russia and the world, and his legacy continues to be debated today.

Why You Should Read This Book

Robert Service's Lenin: The Definitive Biography is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, the Russian Revolution, or the life of Lenin. Service's book is a magisterial work of scholarship that offers a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century.

Service's book is also a pleasure to read. It is well-written and engaging, and it is full of fascinating details about Lenin's life and career. Service's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Russian Revolution and its impact on the world.

Order Your Copy Today!

Lenin: The Definitive Biography is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and learn more about one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century.