Leon Trotsky: The History of the Russian Revolution (1930)

This sweeping and beautifully written description and analysis of the two Russian revolutions of 1917 is a great work of history. Although written by a prime participant, it is not a personal memoir but rather a detailed and objective account that never loses sight of the big picture, focusing on the strategy and tactics of each contending class and political party. Unashamedly Marxist in orientation, this work also features vivid characterizations, including of Czar Nicholas, Rasputin, and Lenin. A must read for history buffs. (amazon customer)