Paul R. Gregory Boeken

Focusing on the economic growth of the tsarist regime from 1885 to 1913, the analysis compares its performance with Soviet Russia and other industrialized nations. The author challenges prevailing historical views, revealing a more robust tsarist economy than previously believed, particularly in agriculture and the business cycle of the nineteenth century. This work offers a valuable reference point for understanding the distinctions between tsarist and Soviet economic performance during their respective eras.

Focusing on Russian and Soviet economic history before the command system, this work challenges prevalent historical myths regarding the tsarist economy. Gregory presents evidence that the Russian economy was more robust than commonly believed, highlighting its integration into the global market and the influx of foreign capital. He critiques Stalin's rationale for abandoning the New Economic Policy, arguing that the crises cited were either exaggerated or misinterpreted, thus offering significant insights for contemporary economic reforms in the Soviet Union.

Focusing on the inner workings of the Soviet economic bureaucracy, Paul R. Gregory provides an in-depth analysis of its structure and functioning. The book explores the complexities of the system, shedding light on the mechanisms that governed economic decisions and policies. Through detailed examination, Gregory reveals the challenges and inefficiencies that characterized the bureaucracy, offering valuable insights into its impact on the Soviet economy.

Exploring the harsh realities of fate and personal suffering, this narrative delves into the lives of individuals facing profound mistreatment. Through vivid storytelling, it sheds light on the emotional and physical toll of their experiences, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amid adversity. The foreword by Robert Conquest sets the tone for a poignant examination of human rights and the impact of societal injustices.

The narrative explores the harrowing experiences of five distinct women who faced the brutal realities of Stalin's Gulag. Their stories range from a peasant girl forced into a secluded settlement in the Ural Mountains to the anxious teenage sister-in-law of a high-ranking party official. Each woman's journey highlights the diverse backgrounds and struggles they endured under oppressive circumstances, shedding light on resilience and survival in a dark chapter of history.

The study delves into the Soviet administrative command system, revealing that its failures stemmed from the economic structure rather than leadership issues. It identifies critical factors such as inadequate planning, inconsistent supply chains, and the preferential treatment of local enterprises, all contributing to a persistent reform stalemate. Highlighting the principal-agent conflict between planners and producers, the analysis suggests that the inherent contradictions and flaws of the command system would inevitably re-emerge if attempted again, marking it as a significant yet flawed human experiment of the twentieth century.

Delving into previously inaccessible Soviet state and party archives, this book uncovers captivating insights into significant historical events and figures. Paul Gregory reveals the intricacies of Stalin's Great Terror, the experiences of Gulag guards, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the scientific examination of Lenin's brain, among other compelling narratives. This exploration not only sheds light on the hidden aspects of Soviet history but also challenges long-held perceptions, providing a deeper understanding of the era's complexities.

The study examines the Soviet administrative command system, revealing that its failures stemmed more from the economic structure than from the leadership of Stalin or his successors. It identifies key issues like inadequate planning, inconsistent supply chains, and preferential treatment for local enterprises, which contributed to a persistent reform stalemate. Despite being a major human experiment of the twentieth century, the study warns that the system's fundamental contradictions and flaws would likely re-emerge if replicated.