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mogreig's review against another edition
5.0
A comprehensive and perhaps the most enlightening book on who Putin is, giving us a unique view into what makes this man tick. How he has changed especially during the years since he became President and manipulated the system to give himself unlimited powers.
tristanpej's review
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
One of the most compelling biographies I've read and despite a long long page count had me genuinely hooked beginning to end.
kimkowalski's review against another edition
5.0
Very thorough and interesting look at Putin and primer on contemporary Russian history
brendan_moody's review against another edition
slow-paced
4.0
A thoughtful, highly readable biography, perhaps overly judicious. Recent events were obviously added at short notice to a book already largely complete, and they challenge its assumption that a mixed verdict is always fairer than a guilty verdict. But the contextualization of Putin’s actions within Russian history and against American overreach is helpful even if one feels at times that two wrongs are being strongly implied to make a right.
benrogerswpg's review
3.0
Put Off With Put Out Putin
This book was an incredibly thorough and in-depth look into the life of Vladimir Putin. It was evident that the author had done extensive research, as the details about Putin's life were well-presented and informative.
While the book was a bit dry and lengthy, it still managed to hold my attention with its insightful commentary on Putin's character and actions. I appreciated the author's ability to present a nuanced perspective on a complex and controversial figure.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Russian politics or world affairs.
It offers a valuable insight into the life and career of one of the world's most powerful leaders - even if that power is forced.
I still think that this is an important book to learn about the situation that we are currently in.
3.7/5
This book was an incredibly thorough and in-depth look into the life of Vladimir Putin. It was evident that the author had done extensive research, as the details about Putin's life were well-presented and informative.
While the book was a bit dry and lengthy, it still managed to hold my attention with its insightful commentary on Putin's character and actions. I appreciated the author's ability to present a nuanced perspective on a complex and controversial figure.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Russian politics or world affairs.
It offers a valuable insight into the life and career of one of the world's most powerful leaders - even if that power is forced.
I still think that this is an important book to learn about the situation that we are currently in.
3.7/5
brainparty's review
3.0
the first part is interesting and well researched but once Short gets into the post Feb 24 era he is just reciting western propaganda about the ukraine war
lillulu's review against another edition
4.0
This is the kind of biography that’s going to make a lot of people, with completely opposite perspectives, very upset.
A timely and interesting biography with a style reminiscent of beloved historical biographer Ron Chernow. Philip Short teeters the line between academic, political journalist and provides personal touches and details about the personalities, beliefs and logics of the people at the heart of the biography.
A timely and interesting biography with a style reminiscent of beloved historical biographer Ron Chernow. Philip Short teeters the line between academic, political journalist and provides personal touches and details about the personalities, beliefs and logics of the people at the heart of the biography.
nanikeeva's review
3.0
i don't know what compelled me to read a 900 page biography of putin or what i expected from it - it was certainly a biography, very thoroughly researched (to the extent possible, anyway). however, a bit dismayed at the cavalier way human rights violations, murder, and war crimes are portrayed - i suppose that's an accurate portrayal of putin/his government's attitude, but as it stands the book feels a bit... apologist? definitely learned some interesting connections I never knew about twists of history.
filippofonseca's review
Too long and got bored during IB - have to come back to it! So good.