One Man in his Time: A Memoir

Nicholas Borodin, a Russian scientist, committed high treason by writing to the Soviet ambassador to renounce his citizenship in 1948. This book chronicles his childhood during the revolution and famine, his scientific career, and his collaboration with Soviet authorities. It offers unparalleled insight into the daily reality of life under totalitarian rule.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Pushkin Press

From modest beginnings, the distinguished Russian scientist Nicholas Borodin embarked on a career in microbiology during the Stalin era. Pragmatic and devoted to his work, he embraced the Soviet regime, even collaborating with the Secret Police on various occasions. However, in 1948, while on a state-sponsored trip to the United Kingdom to report on the mass production of antibiotics, he could no longer suppress his growing awareness of the suppression of independent thought in his country. It was at that moment that he committed high treason by writing to the Soviet ambassador to renounce his citizenship.

One Man in His Time is the captivating tale of a man striving to lead a normal life in extraordinary times. Rife with incidents and astonishing details, it traces Borodin's childhood during the revolution and famine, culminating in his scientific career amidst the suspicion and violence of the purges. Unflinching and candid in its portrayal of the author's collaboration with Soviet authorities, it provides unparalleled insight into the daily realities of life under totalitarian rule.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782279952