Stalin and the Lubianka

A Documentary History of the Political Police and Security Organs in the Soviet Union, 1922-1953

Shearer David R., Khaustov Vladimir

This fascinating documentary history is the first English-language exploration of Joseph Stalin's relationship with, and manipulation of, the Soviet political police. The story follows the changing functions, organization and fortunes of the political police and security organs from the early 1920s until Stalin's death in 1953, and it provides documented detail about how Stalin used these organs to achieve and maintain undisputed power. Although written as a narrative, it includes translations of more than 170 documents from Soviet archives.

About the Author

Vladimir Khaustov, a professor at the Federal Security Service Academy of Russia, is a recognized authority in the history of organs of state security.

David Shearer specializes in Soviet and twentieth-century European history and is the author of "Policing Stalin's Socialism: Repression and Social Order in the Soviet Union, 1924-1953".

Reviews

"This is an innovative book from two of the leading specialists on the Soviet police state. It combines narrative interpretation with a mass of previously secret archive documents to shed light on the mechanisms of Joseph Stalin's power and the functioning of the political police and security organs during the first three decades of Soviet history. Clearly written and fascinating, this book will be of interest to both specialists and general readers" – Oleg V. Khlevniuk, author of "Master of the House: Stalin and His Inner Circle"

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