"The often contentious scholarly arguments about the character of Stalinism are fully represented in this important volume assembled and introduced by Ohio State’s David Hoffmann. Perfect for the classroom, the essays in this book contain some of the best recent research and thinking about Stalin’s key role in Russian History."Norman Naimark, Stanford University "This is a collection of enormous value to anyone seeking to understand the causes and consequences of Stalin’s despotic transformation of Soviet society. It brings together some of the finest historical writing, including more recent scholarship, to reflect the diversity of interpretation of this grim but vitally important episode in twentieth-century history." Steve Smith, University of Essex "Soviet historical studies have been reanimated ... Students and teachers oof this period confront a proliferation of authorities and viewpoints. The strength of David Hoffmann's collection is in its attempt to replect this variety of views." Continuity and Change "Brilliant and illuminating analyses. Hoffman provides a range of first-rate critiques of the regime from various angles." Journal of Genocide Research