The first socialist society : a history of the Soviet union from within / by Geoffrey A Hosking.

London ed. published: A history of the Soviet Union. London : Fontana Press/Collins, 1985.

Includex index

Cont.: ch. 1. Introduction -- ch. 2. October Revolution -- ch. 3. War communism -- ch. 4. Making of the Soviet Union -- ch. 5. New economic policy and its political dilemmas -- ch. 6. Revolution from above -- ch. 7. Stalin's terror -- ch. 8. Stalinist society -- ch. 9. Religion and nationality under the Soviet State -- ch. 10. Great Fatherland War -- ch. 11. Last years of Stalin -- ch. 12. Khrushchev and de-Stalinization -- ch. 13. Soviety society under 'developed socialism' -- ch. 14. Religion, nationality and dissent -- ch. 15. Soviety Union in the 1980s: an impasse and its causes.

Describes the changes in the character of Soviet life from 1917 to the present, showing us how the ideas of Marxism have been transformed by unique political and economic circumstances. Discusses the experience of peasants and urban workers and professionals; the interaction of Soviet autocrats with the people; the role of religion, law and education in Soviet society; and the significance of various national groups.