Even before World War II, Stalin had deliberately caused the mass extermination through starvation of nearly 5 million residents of the Soviet Union. In the extensive area between Moscow and Berlin, what the author calls the "Blood-Stained Lands," approximately 14 million civilians were systematically exterminated by both the Soviet and Nazi regimes.

As these countries found themselves behind the Iron Curtain after 1945, the history of these mass purges and executions remained shrouded in obscurity for many years. Prominent historian Timothy Snyder meticulously examines the evidence that documents these crimes while also delving into the true motivations and political plans of Hitler and Stalin.

Utilizing archives and evidence from multiple countries, Snyder also focuses on written or oral personal testimonies from victims, both Jewish and non-Jewish. A product of years of in-depth research in sources and archives, always centering on the individual, the Blood-Stained Lands is a reference book regarding objective information about one of the greatest tragedies of Modern History, as well as exploring its military, political, and ideological contexts.

"The most important history book of recent years" - Anthony Beevor.