Maxim Litvinoff

Maxim Litvinoff
Author: Arthur Upham Pope
Publisher: L.B. Fischer
Edition: 1943
Pages: 530
Size: 5 inch x 8 inch
Binding: Hardcover

Arthur Upham Pope’s Maxim Litvinoff stands as a landmark biographical account that not only recounts the life of a formidable figure in Soviet and international diplomacy but also offers a deeply nuanced portrait of an era marked by revolutionary upheaval, war, and ideological transformation. In this richly detailed 530-page volume, Pope delivers more than a chronicle of events—he presents a compelling narrative of personal conviction, political strategy, and global significance.

Maxim Litvinov, born Meir Henoch Wallach-Finkelstein, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the Soviet Union’s most recognized and skillful diplomats. As the USSR’s People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs during some of the most critical years of the interwar period, Litvinov played a pivotal role in shaping Soviet foreign policy, championing disarmament, and advocating for collective security in the face of rising fascism. His efforts at the League of Nations and his advocacy for Soviet cooperation with Western powers remain among the most strategic—and controversial—chapters in early Soviet diplomacy.

Pope’s biography captures not only the public achievements of Litvinov but also delves into the complexities of his private persona: a Jewish intellectual navigating anti-Semitism within and outside the Soviet Union, a committed Bolshevik with a cosmopolitan worldview, and a political survivor during Stalin’s purges. The author uses a blend of personal interviews, historical records, diplomatic correspondences, and journalistic sources to paint a vivid and balanced picture of the man behind the policy.

This book is also a mirror to the times in which Litvinov lived—a period defined by ideological warfare, geopolitical realignments, and the struggle between democracy, fascism, and communism. Pope’s writing is sharp, elegant, and steeped in historical insight, making the biography not only a portrait of a man but also a reflection on diplomacy, loyalty, and the price of survival in an authoritarian state.

Maxim Litvinoff is a vital resource for readers interested in Soviet history, international relations, Jewish political identity, and the mechanics of diplomacy during one of the most volatile eras of the 20th century. It remains a towering contribution to biographical literature and Cold War historiography.

• Comprehensive biography of Soviet diplomat Maxim Litvinov, from revolutionary beginnings to global statesman

• Explores Soviet foreign policy, disarmament, and diplomacy in the interwar years

• Rich historical context including the rise of fascism and the international response

• Insight into Soviet-Jewish identity, internal politics, and Litvinov’s survival under Stalin

• Authored by Arthur Upham Pope, a respected historian known for deep scholarship and narrative skill

• Includes personal accounts, archival research, and contemporaneous analysis

• Essential for students of Soviet history, diplomacy, Jewish political history, and 20th-century world affairs