In Stalin's Shadow ― The Career of "Sergo" Ordzhonikidze

Examines the career of one of Stalin's closest associates and most influential economic managers in order to investigate larger issues of Soviet politics of the period such as the extent of Stalin's power over the Politburo, how much policy was made by his advisors, and whether there was any overt or covert opposition to him in the inner circle of power. Offers an alternative to the contrasting speculations that his mysterious death in 1937 was murder to prevent his imminent challenge of Stalin, or suicide when he realized he could not prevent the state terror. First published by Rossiia Molodaia in 1993 as Stalin i Ordzhonikidze: Kinflikty v Politburo v 30-e gody . Paper edition (unseen), $21.95. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.