简介：This meticulously crafted and insightful overview of the Soviet Union's history spans from the socio-political roots of the October Revolution of 1917 to the brink of Mikhail Gorbachev's regime, culminating in the collapse of "real communism" and the dissolution of the USSR. Authored by the esteemed British historian Robert Conquest, this narrative is enriched by a meticulous examination of archival footage and contemporary interviews with a myriad of individuals who were central to the events.

Volume One: Revolutionaries. The decline of the Tsarist regime ushers in the ascension of Lenin, the worker's hero.

Volume Two: Winners and Losers. The tumultuous backdrop of World War I precipitates the Civil War, culminating in the triumph of Communism.

Volume Three: Class Warriors. Joseph Stalin consolidates power, heralding the socialist cause.

Volume Four: Enemies of the People. Stalin constructs the gulags for betrayers, fostering an atmosphere of suspicion among citizens.

Volume Five: Patriots. The ravages of World War II imperil the empire's very existence.

Volume Six: Survivors. The advent of the Cold War propels Khrushchev to the pinnacle of power.

Volume Seven: Prisoners of the Past. Gorbachev and his reforms steer the Soviet Union toward a new future.