The in-depth story of how and why Stalin built his Red Empire from the ruins of WWII Rejecting simplification of Stalin as a modern-day tsar or psychopathic killer, eminent historian Gellately argues that Stalin's actions and crimes are more accurately understood as the deeds of a ruthless and life-long committed Leninist revolutionary. His account is based on research using a wealth of previously unavailable documentation. 16pp b/w plates. Now available in paperback.