For the first time, still-classified Soviet archives reveal the scope of communist terrorism under Joseph Stalin. This fact-filled chronicle of NKVD leader Nikolai Ezhov (Jezov in Dutch) provides a compelling look into the workings of totalitarianism. Using Ezhov’s own papers meticulously documenting his loyalty to Stalin, Ezhov’s “official” biography written at the height of his status, and records of the KGB investigation leading to his fall, the authors reveal the full tragedy encompassed in Ezhov’s bloody career.