Books in Witness to Ancient History series

This book forms part of the Wayland series "Witness history" which examines major historical topics through a mixture of narrative and analysis of the issues involved. Each book in the series is designed to introduce readers to a range of contemporary sources and aims to encourage them in the handling and assessment of original historical material. In this book, the author traces the development of the Russian Revolution (1914-24) from its early origins to the death of Lenin. He assesses the problems of imperial Russia, the growth of revolutionary movements and the strains of war that eventually led to the downfall of the Tsarist government. The rise to power of the Bolsheviks and the consolidation of their authority is analyzed. Finally, there is an assessment of the achievements of Lenin and the new order he established. The book includes biographies for leading figures involved in the revolution. There is a glossary, a list of important dates, a note of the sources used, a further reading list and an index. The text is supported with photographs, cartoons, posters and maps.