"The epic tale of Vladimir Putin -- his emergence from shrouded obscurity and deprivation to become one of the most consequential and complicated leaders in modern history. Former New York Times Moscow bureau chief Steven Lee Myers has followed Vladimir Putin's path for many years, and gives us the fullest, most absorbing account we have of his rise to power. This gripping narrative elucidates a cool and calculating man with enormous ambition and few scruples. Putin, a former KGB agent, came to office in 2000 as a reformer, cutting taxes, expanding property rights, bringing a measure of order and eventual prosperity to millions whose only experience of democracy in the early years following the Soviet collapse was instability, poverty, and criminality. But Putin then orchestrated a new authoritarianism, consolidating power, reasserting the country's might, brutally crushing revolts, and swiftly dispatching dissenters, even as he retained--andcontinues to retain--the support of many. As the world struggles to confront a newly assertive Russia, the importance of understanding Putin has never been greater. This keenly insightful, riveting book provides an essential key to that understanding"--Provided by publisher.

2017-05

Part One -- Homo Sovieticus -- A Warm Heart, a Cool Head and Clean Hands -- Democracy Faces a Hungry Winter -- The Spy Comes in from the Cold -- Part Two -- Mismanaged Democracy -- An Unexpected Path to Power -- Swimming in the Same River Twice -- Kompromat -- In the Outhouse -- Part Three -- Becoming Portugal -- Putin's Soul -- The Gods Slept on Their Heads -- Annus Horibilis -- The Orange Contagion -- Kremlin, Inc. -- Poison -- The 2008 Problem -- Part Four -- The Regency -- Action Man -- The Return -- Part Five -- The Restoration -- Alone on Olympus -- Putingrad -- Our Russia -- Epilogue.