Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, known to the world as Lenin, turned the theory of Communism into a practical reality. As a prosperous middle-class Russian youth, he was untouched by politics; but the death of his older brother at the hands of the Tsarist regime convinced him that only Communism could solve the problems of society. He dedicated his brilliant intellect, immense energy and iron will to its victory.

Lenin's goal was absolute power, but his dream was freedom for mankind. Enduring prison, exile in Siberia and poverty-stricken years in London and Switzerland, he worked to crush opposition to his leadership of the revolutionary movement. Save for his devoted wife, he had few intimate companions, yet his words spoke to millions.

In 1917 he seized control of the Russian Revolution and made it serve his ends. But triumph turned to tragedy as Lenin, confined helplessly to his sick bed, watched Stalin, a man he despised take charge of the state he had created.

Today countless Russians yearly visit his tomb, while revolutionaries the world over study his writings and his life. Whether Lenin was an agent for good or evil remains a subject of fierce debate—but his towering influence cannot be denied.

From the dust jacket