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Beria

Stalin's First Lieutenant
3.56 goodreads logo

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( 185 ratings, 32 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Beria by Amy Knight is a comprehensive biography exploring the life and role of Lavrentiy Beria, one of the most influential and notorious figures in Soviet history. The book delves into his rise to power, his activities as a chief of the Soviet secret police, and his impact on Stalin's regime, offering a deep analysis of his complex legacy without venturing into spoiler territory.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$15800

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by the complex dynamics of Soviet history and want to explore the chilling story of one of Stalin's most feared henchmen. This biography delves deep into the life and influence of Stalin's secret police chief, offering a compelling look at power, politics, and paranoia in a tumultuous era.

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Lavrentii Beria has long symbolized all the evils of Stalinism, haunting the public imagination both in the West and in the former Soviet Union. This is a biography of Lavrentii Beria, Stalin's notorious police chief and for many years his most powerful lieutenant.

A milestone, an invaluable achievement, the natural heir to Leggett's history of the Cheka. -- John le Carre This first full-scale scholarly biography of the clever, cruel, domineering security chief whom Stalin once called 'my Himmler' casts valuable new light on various events of the Stalin period and its early aftermath. -- Robert Tucker, Professor Emeritus, Princeton University

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This is the first comprehensive biography of Lavrentii Beria, Stalin's notorious police chief and for many years his most powerful lieutenant. Beria has long symbolised all the evils of Stalinism, haunting the public imagination both in the West and in the former Soviet Union.

Yet because his political opponents expunged his name from public memory after his dramatic arrest and execution in 1953, little has been previously published about his long and tumultuous career.

Beria by Amy Knight delves deep into this historical narrative, offering readers an unprecedented look into the life of a man whose influence shaped a significant era of Soviet history.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Amy Knight's biography of Beria is praised for its engaging writing and thorough exploration of Beria's complex character and political career. Reviewers appreciate Knight's balanced approach, avoiding sensationalism and providing a strictly political perspective. Her work is recognised as a significant contribution to the understanding of Soviet politics.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691010939

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 December 1995

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 1 Maps

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 482g

Pages: 344

About the Author

Amy Knight is a Senior Research Analyst at the Library of Congress and a former Woodrow Wilson Fellow. She is also the author of The KGB: Police and Politics in the Soviet Union.

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