Description
When will the dawn break, comrade?
Book Summary
This work is an exhaustive journalistic chronicle of the Russian Revolution, from its origins in 1876 to the dawn of the Bolshevik triumph in 1917. Jean Paul Ollivier reconstructs the atmosphere, tensions, and protagonists of the revolutionary movement with a narrative style that immerses the reader in the events as if they were witnessing them live. Over two hundred historical figures parade through its pages, offering a human and choral vision of one of the most transformative political processes of the 20th century.
What is it about?
The book is structured as a narrative that begins decades before the October Revolution to show the slow and complex process of the gestation of the Bolshevik movement. Through meticulous research and the direct testimony of some of its protagonists, who were still alive when the first edition was published in 1967, the author narrates the history of Russia and the world until the insurrection was forged. The climax is the night of November 6 to 7, 1917, when Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin) leaves his hiding place and advances through a Petrograd under siege to take charge of the Soviets' seizure of power. The work does not address the subsequent consequences of the revolution or the history of the USSR, but focuses exclusively on the process that led to the triumph of the insurrection.
Main themes
- The Russian Revolution of October 1917 and its preparation.
- The Bolshevik movement and the figure of Lenin.
- The social and political situation of Tsarist Russia between 1876 and 1917.
- The role of the soviets and the popular insurrection.
- The testimonies of direct protagonists of the historical events.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in contemporary history, the Russian Revolution, Marxism, and communism, as well as those looking for a journalistic and narrative approach to major political events. It is especially suitable for those who wish to understand the context and development of the 1917 insurrection through a documented work that combines historical rigor with the power of a vivid account.
What this book offers
- A detailed and choral chronicle of the Russian Revolution, from its roots to the moment of the Bolshevik triumph.
- The value of direct testimonies from some of the protagonists who were still alive at the time of the first publication.
- A journalistic approach that makes the complexity of the historical process accessible and engaging.
- A human vision of more than two hundred key characters, beyond the big names.
- An updated edition with a new Spanish translation, which recovers a reference work in the genre.
Technical sheet
- Author: Ollivier (French), Jean Paul
- Publisher: Clave Intelectual
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Literary essays, History, Russian Revolution, Marxism and Communism
- Collection: Various
- Binding: Other
- Publication date: February 2017
- Number of pages: 480
- Weight: 655 g
Editorial assessment
This is a reference work within the bibliography on the Russian Revolution, valued for its narrative and documentary approach. Its main interest lies in the combination of exhaustive research with the living testimony of the protagonists, which offers a unique perspective on the events. The new Spanish translation and its 2017 reissue, coinciding with the centenary of the revolution, make it a relevant read for those who wish to delve into this historical event from a close and journalistic perspective.