All the Kremlin's Men

Inside the Court of Vladimir Putin

By: Mikhail Zygar

Narrated by: Dan Woren

An extraordinary behind-the-scenes portrait of the court of Vladimir Putin, the oligarchs that surround it, and the many moods of modern Russia that reads like a "real House of Cards"(Lev Lurie).

All the Kremlin's Men is a gripping narrative of an accidental king and a court out of control. Based on an unprecedented series of interviews with Vladimir Putin's inner circle, this book presents a radically different view of power and politics in Russia. The image of Putin as a strongman is dissolved. In its place is a weary figurehead buffeted -- if not controlled -- by the men who at once advise and deceive him.

The regional governors and bureaucratic leaders are immovable objects, far more powerful in their fiefdoms than the president himself. So are the gatekeepers-those officials who guard the pathways to power-on whom Putin depends as much as they rely on him. The tenuous edifice is filled with all of the intrigue and plotting of a Medici court, as enemies of the state are invented and wars begun to justify personal gains, internal rivalries, or one faction's biased advantage.

A bestseller in Russia, All the Kremlin's Men is a shocking revisionist portrait of the Putin era and a dazzling reconstruction of the machinations of courtiers running riot.

Intriguing insight into Putin

It’s an old story,once someone tastes power then they want more power.This is an excellent narrative,well written and well read.Fully recommended.

Narrator is unfortunate

This is an interesting book, but the narration is a problem. Worren—perhaps forgivably—can’t pronounce Russian words or names. But what I hated was his use of a faux Russian accent unworthy of Ensign Chekhov on Star Trek. Better to just read the book to yourself

Information not easy to get, that's for sure.

An interesting behind the scenes look at many figures past and present who have worked with the current Russian leader, outlining information about them many in the west haven't heard before.

Deep insights in the Russian Leadership

Great insights, great stories, great background information. A must read to gain some understanding of the Russia for the last 20 years.

Evolution of Putin is convincingly described.

The book is fantastic, but the reading actor mispronouncedtoo many Russian names. Some events became better understood.