In a spellbinding novel that combines the suspense of a thriller and the accuracy of a work of history, the psychology of a human monster is fully revealed, every atom of his madness explored, every twist of his homicidal logic followed to its logical conclusion.

Richard Lourie is the author of three novels and four books of nonfiction and has translated some forty books from Russian and Polish into English. His articles and reviews have appeared in many publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Republic, and the Nation. He lives in New York City.