First Person

First Person presents Vladimir Putin's life story through a series of interviews conducted while he was Acting President of Russia in 2000. The conversations were carried out by three Russian journalists who spoke with Putin himself as well as his family members, childhood friends, and professional associates. The book traces Putin's trajectory from his humble beginnings in post-war Leningrad through his career as a KGB officer, his entry into politics in St. Petersburg, and his rapid rise to power in Moscow. The interview format provides direct quotes and personal anecdotes from Putin's own perspective about key moments and decisions in his life. The narrative covers both Putin's public and private personas, including his family life, martial arts training, and the experiences that shaped his worldview. His responses to questions about domestic policy, international relations, and Russia's future reveal his governing philosophy and leadership approach. Through its intimate conversational structure, the book offers unique insights into the mindset and character of one of the most significant political figures of the modern era. The multiple perspectives from different interviewers and subjects create a complex portrait that explores themes of power, duty, and national identity in post-Soviet Russia.

"First Person" presents Vladimir Putin's early life and rise to power through extensive interviews conducted by three Russian journalists. The book offers rare personal insights into Putin's childhood, KGB career, and path to the presidency during Russia's turbulent 1990s transition period. Liked: - Provides intimate details about Putin's formative years and family background - Reveals his KGB experiences and mindset during Soviet collapse - Shows his perspective on key 1990s political events and oligarch relationships - Offers unfiltered access to Putin's thoughts before his public image solidified Disliked: - Limited critical questioning allows Putin to control the narrative unchallenged - Lacks independent verification of many personal anecdotes and claims - Feels more like authorized biography than investigative journalism

The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin by Steven Lee Myers This biography traces Putin's progression from KGB officer to Russian president through interviews and historical records.

Putin: His Downfall and Russia's Coming Crash by Richard Lourie The book examines Putin's governance methods and their impact on Russia's economic and political trajectory.

All the Kremlin's Men: Inside the Court of Vladimir Putin by Mikhail Zygar Russian journalist Zygar reveals the inner workings of Putin's government through accounts from Kremlin insiders.

The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin by Masha Gessen This investigation follows Putin's path from obscurity to power through research and interviews with his associates.

On My Country and the World by Mikhail Gorbachev Gorbachev's memoir provides insight into Russian leadership and the transformation of the Soviet Union into modern Russia.

🔷 The book consists of interviews conducted over several days with Putin at his dacha, offering rare personal insights into his early life, KGB career, and rise to power. 🔷 Despite being published in 2000, this book remains one of the few occasions where Putin spoke extensively about his childhood and family life, including details about his parents' survival during the Siege of Leningrad. 🔷 Co-author Nataliya Gevorkyan later became critical of Putin and moved to London, claiming she saw a different side of him than the one presented in the book. 🔷 The book was strategically released just before Putin's first presidential election, helping to shape his public image as a strong but relatable leader. 🔷 The English translation includes substantial footnotes and explanations of Russian cultural references, making it more accessible to Western readers than the original Russian version.