Russia's Last Capitalists
Discover the fascinating intersection of entrepreneurship and politics in Alan M. Ball's insightful book, Russia's Last Capitalists, published by the University of California Press in 1990. Spanning 243 pages, this compelling work delves into the era following Lenin's 1921 New Economic Policy (NEP), which revitalized private trade and manufacturing in Soviet Russia.
Ball meticulously examines the emergence of thousands of private entrepreneurs known as Nepmen, exploring their significant role within the tumultuous Soviet economy. The book highlights their contributions and the dramatic repercussions following their "liquidation" in the late 1920s. Through thorough research and engaging narrative, Russia's Last Capitalists offers readers a profound understanding of the complexities within Russia's economic history during the inter-war period. Whether you're a student of economics or a history enthusiast, this book is essential for anyone curious about the evolution of capitalism in the Soviet Union.