All the Kremlin's Men: Inside the Court of Vladimir Putin Hardcover – September 6, 2016

Mikhail Zygar is a Russian journalist working within a Putin government that does not consider the press to be entirely free. In fact it has historically shut down tv stations and jailed journalists for making politically unpopular statements. Zygar is conventional, politic, and measured in writing this book. As such this book should not be assessed as the singular resource for research or edification on Putin’s regime. He writes clearly, yet his analysis holds back, thus lacing credibility. I can’t recommend this book.

Great read - refreshingly originalWhat sets this book aside from all other books on Putin's Russia is 3 things:1. Approach --> it does not portray Russia as ruled by 1 man, but gives an actual insight in the power structures and factions that rule the Kremlin2. Author --> The author himself is Russian - he is involved with independent Russian tv station TV Rain (and had to resign after publishing this book because if pressure from the Kremlin). He managed to get very close to many of the men in power at the Kremlin, giving a unique insight from within this very closed group of people & power, instead of reporting from a distance, as is usually the case with books like these.3. Writing style --> every chapter starts with an anecdote about a powerful figure. These anecdotes are great storytelling, especially the ones on Chechnyan leader Ramzan Kadyrov and head of Rosneft Igor Sechin. Also, the writer clearly tries to maintain a certain neutrality in his writing, whereas most western journalists / writers (Myers, Pomerantsev) clearly write from a certain moral high ground.It's very refreshing, original, and I definitely recommend the book.A final big plus: there is a "Who is who" list included in the English version. A very welcome feature, especially for non-native Russian readers like me, for whomcomplexity of the many Russian names might be a bit overwhelming sometimes.

This book gives a really special perspective on the Russian hierarchy from an actual Russian. While there is a story about the Putin years interlaced throughout the book, it is mostly an introduction to some of the most important players in the government and industry (often the same people). After learning where these players come from and how they interact it is much easier to understand the news where one gets only snippets of actions and no backstory. The persons portrayed could just as easily be members of a corporation, a mob, or the Hollywood elite and it would be just as interesting and probably just as daunting.

This is excellent account of Russian political dynamics since 2000--readable and absolutely fascinating (for those interested in this kind of stuff). The author gives an excellent account, based on interviews with many Russian officials/politicians; one of my favorite parts of the book are the thumbnail sketches provided at the beginning of each chapter about specific Russian officials/politicians--describing their personalities, demeanor, and idiosyncrasies--very interesting and often funny as well.

Once in a while, I read a book that opens a door to a new realm of understanding.The key facts came as no surprise to me: for Russia's corruption and violence, elite opulence and mass poverty, are known to all and sundry.And yet, amongst the familiar broad brush strokes were a hundred small details that helped me to see Putin and Russia through the eyes of a compatriot.My assessment of Putin in most ways remains unchanged, but I appreciate more deeply the difficulty of his situation and his fallibility.The final words are in equal measure alarming and comforting: for I understand that Russia will survive qua Russia, and depending on whom you ask, that is either a very good or a very bad thing.

The book is largely a series of anecdotes, which are very telling about Putin and Russia—analogous to the great sardonic humor pieces that captured much of Soviet culture years ago. Given the author’s access, they are likely apt. Such a style is a bit bizarre to someone more familiar with western-style reporting. I found it hard to follow and reminiscent of conspiratorial writing. I also didn’t know what to believe and what to take only half seriously. Nonetheless, very interesting and informative..

A very interesting book that gives the Reader an inside look into how the Russian government under Putin has formed and operated since 2000.

Interesting and helpful to anyone involved or interested in the Former Soviet Union.

There are almost too many books out there on Vladimir, and I'm sure there will be many more !This is the best book on Putin since I read Masha Gessen's book "The man without a face....."Both authors write "from the inside". Through his numerous interviews over the years, Zygar is well placed to have in-depth knowledge of Putin and those around him. He writes in a clear, easy to read, style.A considerable disadvantage with the Kindle is the inability to flick back and forth within the book. For example. at the beginning of this book there is an entire chapter detailing the names, and a sort of brief CV, of the main characters involved. Without being able to readily refer back to this list, I got a bit lost as to who is who within the book; and a lot of characters are mentioned.Most interesting was the many insights revealed for the first time to me. For example, that the Rotenbergs hold Finnish nationality and that Boris Berezovsky apparently was Russian Orthodox by religion. I always assumed he was Jewish. Was I wrong, or did he 'convert' for convenience ??!! Also, that Putin was not initially in favour of the winter Olympics in Sochi; I thought he was a main player from the start. And so on and so forth.A question to which I still seek an answer on Putin is: "Is Putin out there to do as he wishes, or are there shadowy figures in the Kremlin who could, if they wish, rein him in ?" Although Zygar indicates that there are individuals, or groups, who have influenced Putin's thinking/actions/attitudes my question largely remains unanswered.Regardless, thank you Mr. Zygar for a most entertaining and informative read.

Written in a rather turgid, dull style it is hard going. Much of the information seems to come 2nd hand from memoirs so lacks colour. The point that Russia is corrupt to the core and unable to extract itself from this state of affairs is clearly made. The Putin argument that America is also corrupt and hypocritical in its dealings with other countries is correct but this hardly justifies Russia's behaviour. Putin is shown as a product of a system that was in place before he arrived so how much he could do to change it is debatable, even if he wanted to.A far better book on the same theme from a different perspective is: Red Notice by Bill Browder.

A real eye opener into the inner workings of the Kremlin and how Putin c!e to, remains in and will hold on to power. All in all a fascinating read for anyone interested in russia n politics and particularly students thereof.

A lot of good research has gone into this book, making it a very good read. The details and roles people around Putin fulfilled was particularly interesting. He came across as an insecure dangerous person, more dangerous are the people around him who play him like a fiddle. His cravings for power are enormous with no bounds.Interesting how things work in his hierarchy and institutions, need to read some more to get an even better understanding.

At times it was more like a collection of short articles than a focussed book but still interesting.