Lenin's Childhood

Lenin's Childhood by Isaac Deutscher provides a unique interpretation of the early influences on Lenin's personality and thinking, offering a glimpse into an unfinished work that aimed to save him from fanatical anti-revolutionary condemnation and uncritical communist beatification.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

When Isaac Deutscher tragically passed away in 1967, he had only completed the captivating first chapter of a much-anticipated biography of Lenin. This remarkable work, published here, spans Lenin's family background, birth, and early years in the remote town of Simbirsk, up to the execution of his brother, a deeply traumatic formative event. Drawing upon a lifetime of diligent research, including exclusive access to the closed section of Trotsky's archives, Lenin's Childhood offers a fresh and innovative interpretation of the earliest influences on Lenin's personality and thought. Most importantly, it provides a glimpse into an unfinished masterpiece that aimed to rescue Lenin from the fervent anti-revolutionary condemnation and, perhaps more significantly, from the uncritical communist hagiography that surrounded him.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Isaac Deutscher's passing, this special edition includes an introduction by his biographer, Gonzalo Pozo. Pozo places the Lenin project within Deutscher's broader oeuvre and delves into the sources, influences, and evolution of Deutscher's lifelong endeavor to chronicle Lenin's life. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Pozo sheds light on the rich tapestry of ideas and experiences that shaped Deutscher's interpretation of one of history's most influential figures.

Lenin's Childhood is a testament to Deutscher's dedication to scholarship and his unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of Vladimir Lenin. It stands as a valuable contribution to the study of Russian history, political philosophy, and the evolution of socialism. As we reflect on the life and work of Isaac Deutscher, we are reminded of the power of intellectual inquiry and the enduring impact of historical figures like Lenin. This anniversary edition of Lenin's Childhood allows us to appreciate the unfinished journey that Deutscher embarked upon and to honor his memory by continuing to explore the complexities and contradictions of Lenin's life and ideas.

Weight: 102g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804292778