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Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Published by Phoenix in 2008

What makes a Stalin? Was he illegitimate? Was Stalin a Tsarist agent or Lenin’s chief gangster? Was he to blame for his wife’s death? And when did the killing start?

Born in poverty, scarred by his upbringing, exceptional in his studies, this charismatic but dangerous boy was hailed as a romantic poet and trained as a priest but found his mission as a fanatical revolutionary. He became the mastermind of bank robberies, protection rackets, arson and murder. Surprisingly, he is also revealed as a scandalously prolific lover, leaving a trail of mistresses and illegitimate children. This is the story of how Stalin became Stalin.

‘Magnificent! A masterpiece of detail’ Michael Binyon, The Times

‘Gripping. Montefiore’s research is brilliant. Provides a wealth of serious and scurrilous detail, creating a memorable portrait of one of the 20th century’s greatest monsters.’
Anthony Beevor, Daily Telegraph

‘My book of the year is … Young Stalin which is the most revelatory and scoop-laden biography I have read in ages besides being a factual thriller’
Andrew Marr, Books of the Year, Observer

About the author:
Simon Sebag Montefiore lives in London. His books are published in 30 languages.
Young Stalin won the 2007 Costa Biography Award.