During Joseph Stalin’s reign, Andrei Vyshinsky emerged as one of the most ruthless figures, serving as prosecutor-general during the notorious Moscow Show Trials of the 1930s. Soviet journalist Arkady Vaksberg utilizes previously unseen KGB files and other sources to create a vivid portrait of this pivotal yet enigmatic individual. Born in Odessa in 1883, Vyshinsky ascended to power, orchestrating purge trials that resulted in the deaths of thousands of perceived enemies of Stalin, including notable revolutionaries and high-ranking officials. He ensured convictions regardless of evidence, all while maintaining a façade of legality. After his legal career ended in 1938, Vyshinsky transitioned to diplomatic service, eventually becoming foreign minister and justifying Soviet actions during the tumultuous 1940s and early 1950s. His long career concluded with an “honorable exile” as the Soviet delegate to the United Nations after Stalin’s death in 1953. In stark contrast to his many victims, Vyshinsky died peacefully on Park Avenue a year later. His life encapsulates the inner workings of the Stalinist justice system and offers a revealing glimpse into the dynamics of Stalin’s inner circle. This work stands as one of the first significant post-glasnost contributions from the Soviet Union, enhancing our understanding of 20th Century history.
Arkady Vaksberg Bücher
