A People's History of the Russian Revolution

This book offers a fresh perspective on the Russian Revolution, emphasizing its democratic roots and the mass movement behind it. A People's History of the Russian Revolution provides insightful analysis.

In A People's History of the Russian Revolution, Neil Faulkner presents a compelling alternative narrative of one of the most pivotal events in modern history. As the centenary of the Russian Revolution approaches, this book seeks to clarify the misconceptions that have long surrounded it. Faulkner emphasizes that the revolution was not merely a coup led by a small group of conspirators but a vast movement involving millions of people. These individuals came together in democratic assemblies, organizing themselves to challenge a regime characterized by exploitation and war, ultimately leading to the overthrow of landlords and profiteers.

Furthermore, Faulkner challenges the common portrayals of Lenin and the Bolsheviks as authoritarian figures. He argues that the October 1917 Revolution was, in fact, an extraordinary moment of democratic expression and creativity, despite its eventual suppression by a brutal counter-revolution. The book illustrates how the initial socialist vision was ultimately replaced by a bureaucratic state-capitalism, which deviated significantly from the revolution's original ideals.

With a wealth of first-hand accounts and testimonies, A People's History of the Russian Revolution aims to reclaim the democratic spirit of the revolution from those who have misrepresented it. This work serves as an accessible introduction for contemporary readers, shedding light on the true nature of the revolution and its enduring significance in the fight for social justice.