Some of the most important episodes in history are those that are unknown to all but a few. An example of this is the foreign intervention in Russia during the latter's civil war at the end of WWI. A whole host of countries and organizations actively opposed the rise of the Bolsheviks in Russia, and many of them sent troops to actively fight the Red Army. These countries included the US and England; the latter behind the insistence of Winston Churchill. Though their intervention came to nought; in its wake was a permanent distrust of foreigners in general, and the West in particular, by Russia for the rest of the 20th century. This book is one of the few modern publications to explore the history of this episode from beginning to end. Major and minor characters, both in smoky halls of public office and smoky ruins of battlefields, are brought forth. Intentions are laid out as the author revisits old documents; many of them available only in certain archives. Though involving many, the book justifies its title as it was Winston Churchill who really pushed military intervention in Russia; to the point of costing him his seat in parliament and sending him into the political exile for over a decade.

The book moves at a brisk pace, and is structured as an extensive piece of journalistic work. There is little commentary; hence the text comes across as objective. There are also numerous references to other books on this episode; another plus. Altogether, a good book on an important topic.