During World War II, American journalist Henry C. Cassidy observed the war in Russia at close range as Moscow correspondent of the Associated Press. Fluent in Russian and French, Cassidy served as the Associated Press bureau chief in Moscow from 1940 to 1944. During this period he became Joseph Stalin's first and most publicized pen pal. This book provides a fascinating report of his observations during years 1941-43 and constitutes one of the best books to shine a light on the Soviet Union at war behind the scenes.