Lenin in Our Life [antikvár]

ABOUT THE BOOK The reader need not be surprised that among the men and women whose reminiscences are collected in the present volume he will find not only old and tried Bolsheviks and Lenin's trusted comrades-in-arms, but also those who may never have had a chance of meeting or speaking with Lenin. The great force of Lenin's ideas lies precisely in their ability to inspire the minds and fire the souls of those who joined the revolutionary struggle in the full consciousness of what they were doing, and also those who seemed, at first glance, to have little to do with the revolution. Lenin was always ready to meet them half-way. He stretched out a hand.of welcome to anyone who worked honestly and fruitfully in the interests of the people, and helped them see the right road during the years of the country's revolutionary transformation. Lenin's interest and concern for people were revealed in a variety of ways. He made friends and maintained personal contacts, and he kept up a correspondence with workers, peasants, writers, scientists, architects, etc. He was ready to offer material aid to those in need. He was keenly interested in people's lives, aspirations and endeavours; and his approach to each had a touch peculiarly his own, be it a famous writer, a young inventor, a wise old gardener, or a bold dreamer dreaming of interstellar flight, which seemed, in those days, nothing short of fantastic. The reader will find ample confirmation of all this in the present collection of stories. And he will find in them something else, no less valuable; for they tell of the response which Lenin's tactful concern drew from many Russian scientists, artists, workers and inventors who laboured unstintingly so that the young Soviet Republic might grow strong and prosperous.