A must read for those interested in history and politics, Myers presents a thorough and well-written account of Putin's rise and reign, from his impoverished childhood in Leningrad to his improbable rise through the ranks of the KGB and subsequent entree into politics to his development of a cult of personality and absolute authority in Russia today. While the whole book is engrossing and I addictively read it in days, the best parts are the insights from Putin's friends and foes on his personality and policies; the conspiracy theories about his use of violence to suppress opposition; and (more lightly) his deeply secret personal life. The (unintentionally hilarious) pictures of him enclosed are also excellent.