Ten Days that Shook the World by John Reed (Penguin Modern Classics)

“Ten Days that Shook the World” is a book by American journalist John Reed, first published in 1919. The book is a first-hand account of the events leading up to and during the October Revolution in Russia in 1917, which saw the Bolsheviks seize power and establish the world’s first communist government.

Reed was present in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) during the revolution and had close access to the key figures of the Bolshevik Party, including Lenin and Trotsky. In his book, Reed provides a detailed and vivid description of the events that led to the overthrow of the provisional government, including the role of workers’ and soldiers’ councils (known as Soviets) and the rising revolutionary fervor among the people.

Reed’s book is notable for its journalistic style, which conveys a sense of immediacy and excitement about the events that he witnessed. He describes the atmosphere of Petrograd during the revolution, the tension between the different factions vying for power, and the sense of possibility and hope that accompanied the Bolsheviks’ victory.

While Reed was sympathetic to the Bolshevik cause, he also recognizes the flaws and contradictions within the movement. He writes about the challenges faced by the new government, including the Civil War, famine, and political repression.

“Ten Days that Shook the World” is a classic of revolutionary literature and has been praised for its vivid portrayal of a pivotal moment in world history. The book has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired several films and documentaries. It remains an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the Soviet Union and the origins of communism.