For a decade, General Dmitri Volkogonov dedicated his efforts to meticulously analyzing military records, party archives, trial documents, and suppressed sources recounting the harrowing era of purges – a tumultuous chapter in Russian history. This comprehensive narrative stands as the ultimate chronicle of the individual, the epoch, and the heartrending tragedy that unfolded.
 
Benefiting from his unique position as a historian within the Soviet Army, the author enjoyed unparalleled access to classified KGB files. Through this lens, he meticulously weaves together the tale of the man who wielded dominion over the minds and bodies of millions within the Soviet Union for an astonishing thirty years.
 
The inaugural volume of Volkogonov's trilogy, which delves into the lives of Stalin, Lenin, and Trotsky, draws extensively from the author's breakthroughs. These revelations unveil a plethora of previously undisclosed insights into Stalin's tyrannical rule during the early stages of the Soviet Union.
 
This work not only illuminates the shadowy corners of history but also underscores the author's commitment to unearthing concealed truths. A masterful blend of historical detective work and privileged access to classified information, this book resonates as an indispensable resource shedding light on the enigmatic reign of terror orchestrated by Stalin.