The Greatest "Nonfiction, Political, Soviet Union" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Nonfiction

Political

The "Political" category of books encompasses works that explore the theory, practice, and history of government and politics. These books may cover topics such as political ideologies, political systems, political institutions, political movements, and political leaders. They may also examine the relationship between politics and other areas of society, such as economics, culture, and international relations. Political books can be both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers insights into the complexities of the political world and the challenges of governing in a democratic society.

Soviet Union

The category of "Soviet Union" books encompasses literature that explores the history, politics, culture, and society of the former Soviet Union. These books may cover topics such as the rise and fall of communism, the Cold War, the Soviet economy, the lives of ordinary citizens, and the impact of Soviet policies on the world. They may also include memoirs, biographies, and fiction set in the Soviet Union or written by Soviet authors. Overall, the category of "Soviet Union" books provides a comprehensive look at one of the most significant and complex political systems of the 20th century.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Ten Days That Shook the World by John Reed

    This book provides a firsthand account of the Russian Revolution in 1917, specifically focusing on the ten days during which the Bolsheviks seized power. The author, an American journalist, presents a detailed chronicle of the events, people, and emotions during this tumultuous period. His narrative is filled with vivid descriptions and passionate portrayals of the revolutionaries, offering an intimate look into this significant historical event.

    The 1071st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Great Terror by Robert Conquest

    "The Great Terror" is a comprehensive analysis of Joseph Stalin's purges in the Soviet Union during the 1930s. The book delves into the brutal and systematic elimination of potential political rivals, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, who were falsely accused of espionage, sabotage, or being counter-revolutionary. It provides a detailed account of the show trials, executions, and forced labor camps, shedding light on one of the darkest periods in Soviet history.

    The 2593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire by David Remnick

    This book provides an in-depth account of the final days of the Soviet Union, focusing on the period from 1989 to 1991. It explores the political, economic, and social factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet empire, including the role of key figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and others. The author, a journalist who lived in Moscow during this time, combines historical analysis with personal observations and interviews, offering a unique perspective on this significant period in world history.

    The 2874th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Six Studies In Communism by Arthur Koestler, Richard Crossman

    This book is a compilation of six essays that delve into the ideological and practical facets of communism. Each study examines different aspects of communist theory and practice, from its origins and evolution to its implementation in various countries. The authors critically analyze the successes and failures of communist systems, exploring the impact on societies that have adopted these principles. The essays also consider the psychological and sociological effects of living under communist regimes, providing a multifaceted perspective on one of the most influential political ideologies of the 20th century.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. My Life by Leon Trotsky

    This autobiography provides a detailed account of the life of a prominent Russian revolutionary and Marxist theorist. The book traces his early life, education, and political development, his role in the Russian Revolution and Civil War, his leadership of the Red Army, and his expulsion from the Communist Party and subsequent exile. It offers a unique perspective on key events in 20th-century history and an insight into the author's complex personality and intellectual development.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Black Bolshevik by Harry Haywood

    This book is an autobiography that chronicles the life of an African American communist and his involvement in the Communist Party during the early to mid-20th century. It provides a detailed account of his experiences with racism within the United States, his participation in the Communist Party's efforts to combat racial injustice, and his work in the Soviet Union, where he sought to learn from and contribute to the international communist movement. The narrative offers a unique perspective on the intersections of race, class, and political ideology, highlighting the struggles and contributions of African Americans within the broader context of global communism and the fight against imperialism and racial oppression.

    The 4898th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets by Svetlana Alexievich

    "Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets" is a compilation of personal narratives from individuals who lived through the transformation of the Soviet Union to modern Russia. The book provides a vivid and emotional portrayal of the experiences of ordinary people during this period of significant societal and political change. The author uses these narratives to explore themes such as the impact of political ideology on individual lives, the nature of memory and history, and the enduring effects of trauma and loss.

    The 6921st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Gulag: A History by Anne Applebaum

    "Gulag: A History" provides an in-depth historical account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, known as the Gulag. The book explores the inception of these camps during the reign of Vladimir Lenin, their expansion under Joseph Stalin, and their eventual decline and closure. It also delves into the daily lives of the prisoners, their hardships, and the brutal conditions they endured. The book is based on a wealth of archival material, personal interviews, and memoirs, offering a comprehensive understanding of one of the darkest periods in human history.

    The 8048th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Diary Of A Gulag Prison Guard 1935 6 by Ivan Chistyakov

    "The Diary Of A Gulag Prison Guard 1935-6" is a chilling and harrowing memoir that provides a firsthand account of the atrocities and cruelty witnessed by Ivan Chistyakov during his time as a guard in a Soviet Gulag prison. Through his detailed entries, Chistyakov reveals the dehumanizing conditions, brutal punishments, and constant fear that both prisoners and guards endured within the oppressive Soviet regime. This haunting narrative serves as a stark reminder of the dark realities of the Gulag system and the lasting impact it had on the lives of countless individuals.

    The 8380th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Stalin And The Bomb by David Holloway

    "Stalin and the Bomb" is a comprehensive historical analysis that explores the development of the Soviet atomic bomb during Joseph Stalin's regime. The book delves into the political, scientific, and military aspects of the Soviet nuclear program, highlighting the role of espionage, the contributions of prominent scientists, and the intense state control under Stalin. It examines how the Soviet Union, despite various challenges, managed to break the United States' nuclear monopoly in the post-World War II era, significantly altering the global balance of power and initiating a prolonged Cold War nuclear arms race.

    The 8415th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy by David Hoffman

    This book provides an in-depth exploration of the Cold War arms race, focusing on the creation, development, and deployment of nuclear and biological weapons by both the United States and the Soviet Union. It also delves into the dangerous legacy these weapons have left behind, including the threat of nuclear proliferation and bioterrorism. The book combines historical analysis with first-hand accounts and interviews, offering a comprehensive and chilling examination of a critical period in world history.

    The 10700th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Khrushchev: The Man and His Era by William Taubman

    This biography offers an in-depth look into the life and political career of Nikita Khrushchev, the former leader of the Soviet Union. The book delves into Khrushchev's rise to power, his controversial role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and his relationships with other world leaders. It also explores his efforts to reform the Soviet Union, his eventual downfall, and his lasting impact on the country and the world.

    The 11285th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download