In January 1928 Stalin, the ruler of the largest country in the world, boarded a train bound for Siberia where he would embark upon the greatest gamble of his political life. He was about to begin uprooting and collectivization of agriculture and industry across the entire Soviet Union. Millions would die, and many more would suffer. Where did such great, monstrous power come from? The first of three volumes, the product of a decade of intrepid research, this landmark book offers the most convincing explanation yet of Stalin's power. 'Exhilarating, compelling, terrifying and utterly gripping . . . Stalin emerges from Kotkin's book as that most frightening of figures - a man of absolute conviction.' Lucy Hughes-Hallett, New Statesman 'A brilliant portrait . . . there is no study to rival Stephen Kotkin's. It will surely become the standard work.' Robert Gellately, Times Higher Education 'This magnificent biography debunks many of the myths around Stalin.' John Thornhill, Financial Times 'A fine book . . . Kotkin's Stalin is more truthful and perceptive than that of others . . . one of the tragedies of Kotkin's book is its eerie and troubling relevance today.' George Walden, The Times 'Original, engaging, with a sharp, irreverent wit.' Sheila Fitzpatrick, Guardian 'Gripping . . . leaves the reader longing for the story still to come.' Jennifer Siegel, The New York Times