The author of this study of the Russian dictator admits in the preface that he is inclined to study the politics rather than the private affairs of public men. In accordance with this basic interest, the bulk of his attention is devoted to the intricacies of Stalin's political development and activities, and consequently to a very thorough study of Bolshevism, international Communism and Russian foreign policy. His knowledge of all these matters is quite profound and based on firsthand sources and minute research.

Nevertheless, almost despite his own intentions, many significant