FROM GOODREADS: Since Leon Trotsky’s My Life was first published, it has been regarded as a unique political, literary and human document. Written in the first year of Trotsky’s exile in Turkey, it contains the earliest authoritative account of the rise of Stalinism and the expulsion of the Left Opposition, who heroically fought for the ideas and traditions of Lenin. Trotsky’s exile is the culmination of a narrative which moves from his childhood, his education in the ‘universities’ of tsarist prisons, Siberia and then his foreign exile – to his involvement in the European revolutionary movement, his central role in the tempestuous 1905 Revolution, the Bolshevik victory in October 1917 and the Civil War which followed. Trotsky’s work concludes with the heroic struggle against Stalinism and his eventual exile and deportation from the Soviet Union. “The publication of a new edition of my grandfather’s autobiography, My Life , is an important step in establishing the truth,” writes Esteban (Sieva) Volkov in the preface to this book. Esteban is the last remaining survivor and witness of the last chapter of Leon Trotsky’s life in Mexico. The book also contains an introduction by Alan Woods, the author of many acclaimed works on the Russian revolutionary movement.
Leon Trotsky: “My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography”
Leon Trotsky’s book, “My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography” provides a firsthand account of the revolutionary journey and political life of one of the key figures of the Russian Revolution. Trotsky chronicles his childhood, involvement in the Bolshevik party, role in the October Revolution, and subsequent struggles against the rise of Stalinism. The book offers valuable insights into the tumultuous events of the early 20th century and Trotsky’s ideological beliefs and contributions to Marxist theory.
About Leon Trotsky:
Leon Trotsky, born Lev Davidovich Bronstein on November 7, 1879, was a prominent Marxist revolutionary and theorist. He played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution, serving as the People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs and later as the leader of the Red Army. Trotsky’s ideas and writings influenced the development of Marxist theory and the international socialist movement. Apart from “My Life,” he authored numerous political and theoretical works, including “The History of the Russian Revolution” and “Literature and Revolution.”
Summary:
“My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography” by Leon Trotsky offers readers a personal and political memoir, chronicling his life as a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution and his subsequent struggles against the rise of Stalinism.
“The revolutionary spirit burned within me, driving me to challenge the oppressive forces and fight for a society built on equality and justice.”
Leon Trotsky
Trotsky begins by providing insights into his early life and upbringing, sharing anecdotes about his childhood, education, and early political awakening. He delves into his early revolutionary activities and his involvement in the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, alongside other prominent figures such as Vladimir Lenin.
The book then delves into Trotsky’s pivotal role in the October Revolution of 1917, where he served as the People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs and played a crucial part in the establishment of the Soviet Union. Trotsky provides a detailed account of the political climate, internal debates, and challenges faced by the Bolsheviks during this period of revolutionary upheaval.
“The Russian Revolution was a tumultuous period of upheaval and transformation, where the aspirations of the masses collided with the interests of the ruling class.”
Leon Trotsky
Trotsky’s narrative also delves into his ideological beliefs and contributions to Marxist theory. He explores his role in shaping the concept of permanent revolution, advocating for the spread of socialist revolutions beyond national boundaries. The book offers readers valuable insights into Trotsky’s intellectual journey and his views on the nature of revolution and socialism.
However, the book also addresses the conflicts and power struggles that emerged within the Soviet Union, particularly with Joseph Stalin. Trotsky recounts his disagreements with Stalin’s policies and rise to power, highlighting the increasing authoritarianism and deviation from revolutionary principles that he witnessed within the Soviet government. This ultimately led to Trotsky’s exile and his subsequent assassination in 1940.
“I stood firm in my opposition to the bureaucratic distortions of the revolution, even in the face of exile and persecution. The struggle for true socialism was my unwavering commitment.”
Leon Trotsky
“My Life” presents a personal and political account of a significant period in history, offering readers a unique perspective on the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Trotsky’s narrative provides valuable insights into the inner workings of the Bolshevik party, the challenges of building a socialist society, and the ideological debates that shaped the revolutionary movement.
In conclusion, “My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography” by Leon Trotsky is a memoir that provides a firsthand account of his revolutionary journey, political struggles, and ideological contributions. The book offers readers a valuable perspective on the Russian Revolution, the rise of Stalinism, and Trotsky’s own intellectual and political development.
Related Books:
- “The Bolsheviks in Power: The First Year of Soviet Rule in Petrograd” by Alexander Rabinowitch
- “Lenin: A Biography” by Robert Service
- “Stalin: A Biography” by Robert Service
- “The Gulag Archipelago” by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
- “The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression” by Stéphane Courtois et al.
My Goodreads Review:
My Life: An Attempt At An Autobiography by Trotsky LeonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Makes me wonder what would have happened to the old USSR if Trotsky was the one who succeeded Lenin instead of Stalin.
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