<p> Few political figures of the twentieth century have aroused as much passion, controversy, and curiosity as Leon Trotsky. His role in history?his epic rise and fall, his fiery persona, his violent end in Mexico in August 1940?holds a fascination that transcends the history of the Russian Revolution. Bertrand M. Patenaude masterfully interweaves the story of Trotsky?s final years with flashbacks to pivotal episodes in his career as a young Marxist, revolutionary hero, Red Army chief, Bolshevik leader, outcast from Stalin?s USSR, and ultimately heretic of the Kremlin, targeted for assassination by its secret police. Gripping, tragic, and based on extensive firsthand research, <i>Trotsky</i> brilliantly illuminates the fateful and dramatic life of one of history?s most captivating and important figures. </p>