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My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography
by
Leon Trotsky
The only Bolshevik leader to write his memoirs, Leon Trotsky published this remarkable book in 1930, the first year of a perilous, decade-long exile that ended with his assassination in Mexico. Expelled from the Communist party and deported from the Soviet Union, the former People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs recalled his lifelong struggle in the world of revolutionary
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ebook
,
857 pages
Published
April 5th 2012
by Dover Publications
(first published 1929)
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Oct 09, 2012
Donna Davis
rated it
5 of 5 stars
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review of another edition
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Trotskyists are one of the most reviled groups on the left...and I have been partly or wholly one my entire adult life. That said, it doesn't take a Trotskyist (or even a "TrotskyITE") to enjoy this book.
Think for a moment about living in a house with dirt floors; mud walls three feet thick in which snakes, some of them poisonous, dwell; but you have servants. This is the middle class home into which Trotsky was born.
Initially loathe to broadcast the particulars of his life, which he considered ...more
Think for a moment about living in a house with dirt floors; mud walls three feet thick in which snakes, some of them poisonous, dwell; but you have servants. This is the middle class home into which Trotsky was born.
Initially loathe to broadcast the particulars of his life, which he considered ...more
My Life is an eyeopening autobiography from the pen of one of the world's greatest revolutionary figures. Learn about the man behind the myth of Leon Trotsky from the man himself. Some of the stories are merely informative while others are positively inspiring, like Trotsky's daring escape by reindeer from his second Siberian exile or his wartime command of the entire Soviet Army by train. Love him or hate him, Leon Trotsky breaks down his life, trials, triumphs, and tribulations from his early
...more
In all honesty, I tend not to read autobiographies for enjoyment. Attribute it to my major of History and my constant reading of autobiographies and biographies for my education. Also attribute it to my belief that we all embellish, twist, misperceive, misunderstand, or exasperate the situations, relations, and occurrences of our own life when committing the truth of the memory to the written word.
“My Life” was an exception. Trotsky’s autobiography seemed imperative to read, just as Karl Marx’ ...more
“My Life” was an exception. Trotsky’s autobiography seemed imperative to read, just as Karl Marx’ ...more
Awesome Book!!!!!!!!!! By far the best autobiography that I have ever read. Trotsky was highly intelligent and his thinking and writings transcend generations and will continue to do so. Many of his insights and predictions came true. Will the others? Time will tell..... If he and the left opposition had been successful, communism and the world that we know, would be a much different place.
Utterly engaging, written with skill and a complete lack of genuine humility as befitting one of the titans of his era. Such a fascinating and divisive historical figure, who's fundamental beliefs could offer lessons in today's modern world.
Having read other biographical works, most recently Robert Service 'Trotsky', I have come to question some of the established facts contained within, however that in no way diminishes an utterly enthralling read.
In short, pure class.
Having read other biographical works, most recently Robert Service 'Trotsky', I have come to question some of the established facts contained within, however that in no way diminishes an utterly enthralling read.
In short, pure class.
I'm a bit surprised that this book has so few ratings. In my opinion it is one of the greatest works of the 20th century. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though, given the hatchet job that has been done on Trotsky's reputation and the Left oppposition (no pun intended). A great revolutionary and a great man, and what a life! This autobiography would make a brilliant film, but I won't hold my breath waiting for it.
leon trotski ya be ghole khode russ ha:lev trotski'i!tarikhe enghelabo khoondam hamintor yaddashthaye roozane,commune paris va barnameye enteghali.zendegie mano tooye avale rahnamayi khoondam va avale daneshgah dobare moroor kardam.kheili baram jale budeh va hast nasresh va zehni ke dare.dar morede shakhsiate siasish bahsi nadarm inja.fagahat mitoonam begam man trotskist nistam amma trotski ra doost daram;)
Jun 03, 2013
Dan Regan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
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Surprisingly void of polemics, this autobiography tells the story of Trotsky's life of revolution without diving too deep into the philosophies behind it. I certainly learned that I know less about social and political systems than I would care to admit. Great read, eloquently and passionately written.
the "funny" thing is the last chapter "The Planet Without a Visa" is almost exact the same as the current situation (as of July 2, 2013) with Edward Snowden in Russia
8.5/10, a LOT of detail, feel I missed the big picture, but still compelling and well written but I have questions. Important book to read, worth reading.
Вельми цікава біографія революціонера Лейби Бронштейна Троцького має багато повчальний моментів. Особливо актуальна під час Майдану.
Incredible autobiography. Well-written, sometimes beautiful. And you learn a lot of history and politics as you go along.
A superb and important book valid today as ever. Trotsky remains he commensurate political and social commentator
Fascinating book - fascinating life
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Leon Trotsky was a Bolshevik revolutionary and Marxist theorist. He was one of the leaders of the Russian October Revolution, second only to Vladimir Lenin. During the early days of the Soviet Union, he served first as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and later as the founder and commander of the Red Army and People's Commissar of War. He was also among the first members of the Politburo.
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“The feeling of the supremacy of general over particular, of law over fact, of theory over personal experience, took root in my mind at an early age and gained increasing strength as the years advanced. It was the town that played the major role in shaping this feeling, a feeling which later became the basis for a philosophic outlook on life. When I heard boys who were studying physics and natural history repeat the superstitious notions about “unlucky” Monday, or about meeting a priest crossing the road, I was utterly indignant. I felt that my intelligence had been insulted, and I was on the verge of doing any mad thing to make them abandon their shameless superstitions.”
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