Books like Mr. Putin by Fiona Hill

Masha Gessen’s investigative account charts Vladimir Putin’s rapid rise from KGB operative to Russian president and the erosion of democratic institutions under his rule.

"First Person is the intimate, candid self-portrait of the man who holds the future of Russia in his grip. A compilation of over 24 hours of in-depth interviews and remarkable photographs, it delves deep into Putin's KGB past and explores his meteoric rise to power. No Russian leader has ever subjected himself to this kind of public examination of his life and views. Both as a spy and as a virtual political unknown until selected by Boris Yeltsin to be Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin has been regarded as man of mystery. Now, the curtain lifts to reveal a remarkable life of struggles and successes. Putin's life story is of major importance to the world."--BOOK JACKET.

"Drawing on both Russian and English-language sources, and providing comprehensive coverage of Putin's speeches, interviews and policy documents, this is the definitive study of the Russian leader."--Jacket.

With the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia launched itself on a fitful transition to Western-style democracy. But a decade later, Yeltsin's handpicked successor resolved to bring an end to the revolution. This book goes behind the scenes of contemporary Russia to reveal the culmination of Project Putin, the secret plot to reconsolidate power in the Kremlin. During their four years as Moscow bureau chiefs for The Washington Post, the authors witnessed the methodical campaign to transform Russia back into an authoritarian state. Their narrative moves from the unlikely rise of Putin through the key moments of his tenure that re-centralized power into his hands. But the authors also portray the Russian people they encountered--both those who have prospered and those barely surviving--and show how the political flux has shaped individual lives. -- From publisher description.

A detailed journey across Russia and former Soviet republics, in which journalist Ben Judah interviews Putin’s allies, adversaries, officials, business magnates, mob figures, and everyday citizens to examine Vladimir Putin’s rise and its impact on Russian society.

"The stunning story of Russia's slide back into a dictatorship--and how the West is now paying the price for allowing it to happen, "--Amazon.com.