Joseph Stalin was one of the most extraordinary and significant personalities of the XX century. The book by the famous writer 3. Ageeva examines the life and work of the Soviet leader, analyzes individual episodes of the thirty-year rule of Russia by Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin, the peculiarities of his personality, his influence on public life and political processes in the country. The author also gives an assessment of the personality and characteristics of the German dictator Adolf Hitler, who started a confrontation with Stalin and unleashed a world war. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.