The Rise and Fall of Communism

Oct 6, 2024 10:21 PM

Author:Archie Brown

Winner of the 2010 W.J.M. Mackenzie Prize for Best Political Science Book of the Year 2010

The relentless rise of Communism was the most momentous political development of the first half of the twentieth century. No political change has been more fundamental than its demise in Europe and its decline elsewhere. In this hugely acclaimed book Archie Brown provides an indispensable history that examines the origins of the ideology, its development in different countries, its collapse in many states following the Soviet perestroika, and its current incarnations around the globe.

The Rise and Fall of Communism explains how and why Communists came to power; how they were able, in a variety of countries on different continents to hold on to power for so long; and what brought about the downfall of so many Communist systems. A groundbreaking work from an internationally renowned specialist, this is the definitive study of the most remarkable political and human story of our times.

Reviews

Superb...a hugely readable book

—— Simon Heffer , Daily Telegraph

At its peak, communism controlled one third of the human race...Brown's scholarly, well-paced and critical overview contributes brilliantly to a reasoned reassessment

—— Sunday Times

To understand one of the central stories of the 20th century - read Brown's book

—— Independent

The breadth of his scholarship and research is hugely impressive... Brown offers clever insights, as well as some fascinating new revelations

—— Evening Standard

This book is the crowning achievement of Archie Brown's career... This volume will remain a definitive study of communism... Thank you, Archie Brown

—— Oleg Gordievsky , Literary Review

Comprehensive and impressive

—— Financial Times

Archie Brown tells the history of these 70-odd years...with poise, a sense of balance and a judicious understanding of the differences between the varieties of communisms

—— Donald Sassoon , Guardian

A clear and expert account of the rise and fall of communism

—— Marcus Earl , Weekend Review

A stimulating read, which provides valuable insights

—— Adam Fabry , Socialist Review

His conclusions neatly balance the equally pertinent questions of why Communist systems collapse, and why they lasted so long

—— Stephen Howe , Independent

One of Britain's leading experts on communism provides a grimly humorous and richly anecdotal study

—— George Pendles , Financial Times, History books of the year

Scholarly, well-paced and critical...few can match him for insider knowledge

—— Tristram Hunt , Sunday Times

Balanced, insightful, illuminated by intriguing detail and flashes of humour, this worldwide panorama is a miracle of compression

—— Christopher Hirst , Independent

This superb book gives the history of the ideology and the reasons for its decline

—— Simon Heffer , Telegraph

It reads like Sovietology rendered by John le Carré

—— Timothy Snyder

The book is well written with flashes of mordant humour and sufficient records of personal foibles and institutional stupidity to keep the reader going through some dreadful moments of human history

—— Political Studies Review

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