This well-established textbook provides a survey of the Soviet Union from its birth to its death. Including chapters on the New Economic Policy and World War II, the book focuses on the political, social, economic and religious developments to give a complete account of the Soviet years. 'An expert in probing mafia-type relationships in present-day Russia, Martin McCauley here offers a vigorously written scrutiny of Soviet politics and society since the days of Lenin and Stalin.' John Keep, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto.