The first volume in the Collected Works of Josef Stalin offers a compelling introduction to the formative years of one of the most pivotal figures in revolutionary history. Spanning 1901 to 1907, these writings capture Stalin's early development as a Marxist theorist and revolutionary organizer during a time of intense political ferment and imperial repression. From clandestine party organizing to incisive critiques of the Tsarist regime and Menshevik opportunism, these texts illuminate the roots of Stalin's ideological and tactical approach to the struggle for socialism.

Through this volume, readers gain rare insight into the dynamics of the Transcaucasian proletariat and the early Bolshevik movement, as Stalin reflects on the role of revolutionary vanguard parties, class struggle, and the necessity of disciplined organization. His writings reveal both a keen understanding of Marxist theory and a deep connection to the lived experiences of workers and peasants under oppressive conditions. These early works provide a foundation for the strategies and principles that would later define Stalin's leadership within the Soviet Union.

This special edition, released in a beautifully crafted jacketed hardcover with striking new cover art, underscores the historical and theoretical significance of Stalin's early contributions to revolutionary thought. Ideal for scholars, organizers, and readers seeking to engage with the intellectual and practical challenges of building socialism, this volume remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago, in the face of ongoing imperialist aggression and capitalist exploitation.