The Rise and Fall of the Communist Revolution

by Warren H. Carroll

Release Date: December, 1998

Edition: Paperback

Price:

More Info

Great reading, but a few minor flaws

Warren Carroll's history of Communism is well worth reading, but it does have some flaws. For one thing, it assumes that the reader has a basic grounding in the history of the 20th century: he mentions certain famous events, such as the "kitchen debate", in passing, assuming that the reader will recognize them. Considering how little history most people know these days, that assumption is unwarranted. Second, he devotes a great deal of space to the political machinations that the Communists used in Russia and Eastern Europe, thereby leaving the impression that the Communists were devoted to democratic processes before achieving power and suddenly changed their tune once they were in charge. In fact, of course, they were totalitarians from the beginning. Perhaps most seriously, he notes that refugees fled Communist countries by the millions but says only that this is because Communism was "profoundly unpopular". This has to be the understatement of the century. It was not merely unpopular, it was loathed. He never mentions that daily life was a nightmare: inadequate food supplies, drab and crowded apartments, lies and propaganda, the constant fear of arbitrary force, and so on.

All that aside, this is a fascinating book. The narrative moves swiftly, and Carroll sheds light on the often mysterious motivations of Communist leaders. Like Paul Johnson, he deftly picks out telling incidents that changed the course of history or simply reveal character. Particularly good are his remarks on Chiang Kai-shek and on the many blunders or even treasonous acts that led to the tragic defeat in Vietnam. Not for beginners, but good for those who know the basics and want to delve a little deeper.

It can make you sick to your stomach or angry enough to cry.

This is a truly unique history. It is written by a man who lived through the entire life of the USSR and had special contacts at different times which gave him a closer look at the Communist Revolution.

This book deals very fairly with everyone. It doesn't whitewash anyone, or forgive those who are now revered. It also maintains intellectual integrity by openly stating the bias of the author and not making claims that it doesn't back up.

This book is valuable as more than a history. This book is a better read than many novels. It can make you sick to your stomach or angry enough to cry. It is not an uplifting read, if that's what you're looking for, but it is surely enlightening and enthralling. I often could not put it down because I was so caught up in the story.

I guarantee, you will not regret reading this book.