The Russian Revolution: 1917-1921 is a collection of documents and sources reviewing the ever-changing debate on the nature of the Russian Revolution. Such events as the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, that had indeed grown from the Revolution, have provided fresh perspectives from which to view it. The collection provides excerpts from newspapers, memoirs and literature, complete with commentary and background information on sources.

With a focus on thematic issues such as the actions of peasants and workers, Ronald Kowalski addresses the key question of whether the revolution was a coup foisted on the people or a popular movement. The book incorporates the latest scholarship and contains newly available documentary material translated into English for the first time.