"One of the most successful dictators of the twentieth century, Stalin believed that fashioning a better tomorrow was worth sacrificing the lives of millions today. He built a modern Russia on the corpses of millions of its citizens." "Stalin and Stalinism has established itself as one of the most popular textbooks for those who want to understand the Stalin phenomenon. This third edition provides up to date analysis of the Stalin era; a chapter analysing Stalin's personality; documents which graphically illustrate the bloodletting; and an examination of the Stalin cult and why it was so successful - even today." "Fully updated throughout to incorporate recent research findings, the book also contains a Chronology of key events, and a Who's Who and Guide to Further Reading."--Jacket.