This is the first volume of an integrated documentary history of the Soviet Union. The Soviet story
- the revolution Lenin Stalinism the Great Patriotic War the era of Khrushchev Brezhnev & Cold War & the dramatic collapse under Gorbachev
- looms large in history syllabuses across the world. This book should be a valuable resource for students at all levels drawing upon the primary material that has come to light since the collapse of Communist rule in 1991. Combining narrative commentary & a selection of evocative documents it provides an entree to debate over humanitys most momentous & tragic experiment. This volume is organised into three chronologically distinct parts subdivided thematically & embedding over 200 documents. Key terms & references to individuals places events & institutions are explained & guidance provided on significant features of the primary sources. It assumes no prior knowledge of the subject. Volume Two covers the period 1939-1991.