In his book Lenin: How to Become a Leader, Vladlen Loginov, one of Russia's leading authorities on Vladimir Lenin, discusses the revolutionary leader's early years, his family, his political awakening and subsequent activities.

He reveals the beginnings of the creator of the world's first socialist country, as well as the source of the future statesman's incredible willpower, his ability to influence people, his drive to succeed and his leadership qualities. All of these, the book demonstrates, were intrinsic to Lenin's character from a young age.

In his research, Loginov uses new sources and previously unknown documents and memoirs, as well as archives of Russians in exile.

Edited and introduced by Professor Geoffrey Swain.