The Russian Revolution of 1917 thrilled millions around the world and showed that socialism was possible.
Sandra Bloodworth brings to life the struggle between February and October of the working class and soldiers (peasants in uniform) for land, bread and peace. She shows how the vast mass of working people learnt, through their own struggles, that if they did not definitively defeat the capitalist class the only alternative was counter-revolution and military dictatorship. There would be no end to the war, no bread for starving families, or land for the peasantry without Soviet rule. She also details the counter-revolution that overtook the first Workers' state in history.
In spite of the ultimate tragedy that befell the revolution, the creativity and organisational genius of working people, their striving for human dignity and liberation from class rule, are as inspiring today as then.