Just finished the second volume of Stephen Kotkin's Stalin biography. Fantastic study of Stalin and his rise to power. First volume covers his early life and ends at the point the Communists have won the civil war and are in charge. Volume two goes from there up to the evening of June 21, 1941 as the Germans are about to invade. Volume 3 not yet published will cover June 1941 to his death in 1953. Amazing detail and very readable. He breaks the book into chapters and each chapter into sections, many of which are just 2 pages. Very easy to read and digest. Can't wait for volume 3.
