From the Finland Station: The Graying of Revolution in the Twentieth Century

by Hamerow

Professor Hamerow provides a gripping account of the life cycle of revolutionary upheaval from its first inspirational vision of social emancipation to its final dispiriting reinstitution of hierarchical authority.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Ken]

A worthwhile study on the natural course of Marxist revolutions, which have, without exception, produced horrific violations of human rights and internal genocides. Charts the early enthusiasm and promise of reform through the consolidation of power within a small ideologically pure group and purges of potential enemies and moderates, and ending with bloated, paranoid, and corrupt bureaucracies run by secret police and loyalists without regard for the welfare of the citizenry. It would seem comic if the tragedy was not so overwhelming. A well-researched document that leaves little doubt that this progression stems directly from the underlying power dynamics and utopian philosophies involved.

[K.H. Vaughan]

A worthwhile study on the natural course of Marxist revolutions, which have, without exception, produced horrific violations of human rights and internal genocides. Charts the early enthusiasm and promise of reform through the consolidation of power within a small ideologically pure group and purges of potential enemies and moderates, and ending with bloated, paranoid, and corrupt bureaucracies run by secret police and loyalists without regard for the welfare of the citizenry. It would seem comic if the tragedy was not so overwhelming. A well-researched document that leaves little doubt that this progression stems directly from the underlying power dynamics and utopian philosophies involved.