The Perfect Stalinist
A Biography of Nicolae Ceausescu
Vladimir Tismaneanu, Adam TismaneanuAn insider’s account of the Romanian communist dictator’s life and times
This is the most comprehensive English-language biography of Romanian Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Based on unique archival materials, in-depth interviews and personal memoirs, The Perfect Stalinist tells the story of Ceausescu’s rule and rise to power, from his youth in the interwar Romanian Communist underground and his role as a loyal protégé of Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej to his eventual succession in 1965 and execution during the Romanian Revolution of 1989.
During his 24-year rule, Ceausescu created a self-styled form of dynastic communism based on his all-encompassing cult of personality. His brand of extremist nationalism remains influential today among personalities like Peter Thiel, Alexander Dugin and other neoreactionaries. Ceausescu’s story of delusional narcissism and its destructive effects is sure to resonate with observers of contemporary politics.
-
'
Stalinism was one of the foremost evils of the 20th Century, and there was no more fascinating cultural laboratory for it than Romania. The authors vividly dissect the phenomena that made the Ceausescu regime so hideous and long-lasting. A vital book for understanding the Cold War in Europe.
'Robert D. Kaplan, author of Balkan Ghosts and In Europe's Shadow
-
'
Deeply researched and compellingly written – the perfect book for a perfectly dreadful dictator.
'Frank Dikötter, author of How to Be a Dictator
-
'
What a perfect match of authors and subject! One gets, in this definitive biography of Nicolae Ceausescu, not only a deep understanding of the political and ideological character of Stalinist leaders, but an intimate knowledge of the Romanian communist milieu in which the Conducator rose to supreme political power. Every student of Romania, Eastern Europe, and totalitarian dictatorships will want to read this book.
'Norman M. Naimark, author of Stalin and the Fate of Europe
-
'
A valuable biography of an ambitious tyrant whose corruption, megalomania, and social engineering policies created misery for Romanians and created the conditions for his fall. A timely book for anyone interested in dictators and dictatorship.
'Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Professor of History, New York University
Prologue
1 Communist Origins
2 Clandestine Intrigues and Ideological Zeal
3 The Most Faithful Disciple
4 A Maverick Zealot
5 Primus Inter Pares
6 The Making of a Dictator
7 Prisoner of His Cult
8 Byzantine Rites, Stalinist Follies
9 Political Decay and Mass Discontent
10 Losing His Grip
11 Bloodshed, Revolution, Collapse
Epilogue: How Was Ceaușescu Possible?
References
Select Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Vladimir Tismaneanu (Author)
Vladimir Tismaneanu is Professor of Comparative Politics and Director of the Center for the Study of Post-Communist Societies at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is the co-author of Communism and Culture (2022).
Adam Tismaneanu (Author)
Adam Tismaneanu is a writer, journalist and independent researcher. His work has appeared in various outlets including Newsweek România and POLITICO Europe.