Mission to Moscow

Mission to Moscow is a memoir based on Joseph E. Davies' experiences as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1936-1938. The book consists of Davies' personal diary entries, diplomatic reports, and letters written during his time in Moscow under Stalin's regime. The narrative covers Davies' firsthand observations of Soviet society, politics, and daily life during a pivotal period before World War II. Through his diplomatic position, Davies gained access to high-level Soviet officials and witnessed key historical events, including the controversial Moscow Trials. The book presents Davies' evolving perspective on Soviet-American relations and provides documentation of pre-war diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. His reports to the U.S. State Department and personal correspondence with President Roosevelt form a substantial portion of the text. The work stands as both a historical document and a study in diplomatic observation, capturing the complex dynamics between nations on the brink of global conflict. Davies' account raises questions about perception versus reality in international relations and the role of diplomacy in times of political tension.

Readers view Mission to Moscow as a controversial first-hand account, with opinions split between those valuing its historical documentation and those criticizing its political bias. Readers appreciated: - Detailed observations of 1930s Soviet society and culture - Personal interactions with Stalin and Soviet leaders - Day-to-day diplomatic insights - Writing style that makes complex politics accessible Common criticisms: - Naive acceptance of Soviet propaganda - Dismissal of Stalin's purges and human rights violations - Lack of critical analysis - Too sympathetic to Soviet regime Review stats: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 3.3/5 (12 ratings) Sample reader comments: "Fascinating time capsule but must be read with skepticism" - Goodreads reviewer "Important historical document showing how Western diplomats were fooled" - Amazon reviewer "Davies seems willfully blind to the realities of Stalin's terror" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔹 Joseph Davies served as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1936-1938 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and wrote Mission to Moscow based on his personal diary entries and diplomatic reports from this period. 🔹 The book was made into a controversial 1943 Warner Brothers film, which was later criticized for its sympathetic portrayal of Stalin's regime and the Moscow show trials. 🔹 Despite being a successful corporate lawyer with no diplomatic experience, Davies was chosen as ambassador specifically because Roosevelt wanted someone who would judge the Soviet Union with fresh eyes. 🔹 The book became a bestseller in both the U.S. and USSR, with Stalin personally approving its publication in the Soviet Union - one of the few American books to receive this permission during that era. 🔹 When the book was published in 1941, Davies donated all royalties and profits to war relief efforts, including organizations helping refugees from occupied Europe.