"The Commissar Vanishes" really shows just how insane the leadership structure and history of the USSR was. David King has compiled a lot of photos, most of them consisting of pairs or sets of pre- and post-doctored versions, showing how Stalin attempted to erase his past rivals and lesser enemies of the state from history. Fortunately, he failed, because many of these people's existences have been preserved here and elsewhere.
King also writes descriptive captions for many of these photos, describing who the erased people were and why they were erased. Figures range from the famous, like Stalin's arch-rival Leon Trotsky, to obscure provincial leaders caught up in Stalin's many purges. King's captions also shed light on the characters of the many interesting figures of the Bolsheviks, backed with first-hand accounts. Who knew, Lenin was an egotistical jerk who had no problem killing people for no real reason. Of course, this theme is expanded upon greatly in the many photos involving Stalin and the purged officials who, one by one, disappear from photos with him.
This is a great coffee table book for those with an interest in early 20th century, or for people who are a little bit morbid.
- Paperback: 232 pages
- Publisher: Tate; New edition edition (September 2, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1849762511
- ISBN-13: 978-1849762519
- Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1 x 11.5 inches
- Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
- Average Customer Review: 35 customer reviews
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Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#274,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1098 in Photograpy Equipment & Techniques
- #767 in Russian History (Books)
- #440 in Photography History
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