Stalin and the Soviet Union

This is a simple book by Stephen J.Lee. In fact, I read about "Peter The Great" (another book by the same author) before and that is why I bought this book. Honestly, I love the way the author presented history ~~~ Simple, yet full of details...

This book went through the great man in the history of Soviet Union. It started by introducing Stalin's rise and rule follow by analysis on his politics, economics, culture, foreign policy, Soviet Union at war, before summing it up with Stalin's post war regime. At the end, it is an interesting history. There is one phrase that really caught my mind: "Stalin misinterpreted Hitler's intentions. It was fortunate for Stalin that Hitler's subsequent errors were even more serious than his own." Just when every historians praising Stalin for his great work in World War II, sometimes we neglected the facts that the other party is the main culprit. Hmm....

I am very much attracted to the whole story especially when there are questions and sources provided to clarify each topic. I thought this is a creative way to present histories. After all, we are talking about history. This is a subject typically viewed as boring, dull and dry by many. Hence, the short (simplicity) contents actually help readers and they may find it easier to absorb. By then, if details are needed; move on to the next sources section as provided. If not, just bypass it and you are transfer to the next chapter. It is a relaxing way to study history, LOL....

Ok... still a minor flaw.... After all, simplicity is always about sacrificing details. In fact, I spend a lot of time digging through details via Google after finished the whole book. Rating wise, I am giving 6 out of 10. I like this book, but honestly; I would have prefer a more details book on Stalin...