[pawn]

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

Pawn, you might also try Stalin: A Biography by Robert Service. It's about the best analysis of Stalin's life I've ever read.

Thanks Pistolenschutze, I have read Robert Service's Biography of Stalin and I agree, a comprehensive view of Stalin's life and a great book.

Koba was a cunning strategist who's rise to power is as interesting (at least to me) as it is vile. Opposing this man was both foolish and fatal. He also "cleaned house" in what became predictable intervals- Stalin was a ruthless murderer of his enemies, his allies, and his fellow countrymen in general.

Had he not stroked out, I sincerely believe the "Man of Steel" would likely have launched a nuclear assult on the USA.

If only he had become a priest as his mother wished.....