A remarkably talented linguist, foreign correspondant in Russia from 1904-1921 and Foreign Editor for 'The Times', 'Russia's Greatest Enemy?' traces the fascinating life and career of Harold Williams. This quiet and modest New Zealander played a central role in informing and influencing British opinion on Russia from the twilight of the Tsars, through War and Revolution, to the rise of the Soviet Union. The career of this keen Russophile and fierce opponent of Bolshevism illuminates the pre-World War One movement towards rapprochement with the Tsar, as well as the drive for intervention and isolation in the Soviet period. In this fascinating study Charlotte Alston explores the role of Williams as the interpreter of Russia to the British and the British to Russia in this turbulent period in the history of both countries Introduction 1. New Zealand, 1876-1900 2. Journalism, 1900-1914 3. Britain, Russia, War and Revolution, 1907-1917 4. From Revolution to Intervention, 1917-1921 5. The Times, 1921-1928 Conclusion Bibliography

Over the five years following the Russian revolution of 1917 there occurred a brilliant outburst of theory and criticism among Russian intellectuals struggling to comprehend their country's vast social upheaval. Much of their intense speculation focused on issues that are still hotly debated: Was this socialism? Why had the revolution happened in Russia? What did Bolshevik power mean for Russia and the Western world? This compelling study recovers these early responses to 1917 and analyzes the specific ideological context out of which they emerged. Jane Burbank explores the ideas and experiences of diverse prominent intellectuals, ranging from the monarchists on the right to the Mensheviks, Socialist revolutionaries, and Anarchists on the left. Following these thinkers through the turbulent years of civil war and rebuilding of state power, Burbank shows how revolution both revitalized their political culture and exposed the fragile basis of its existence.