The Prophet Armed by Isaac Deutscher (1965 First Vintage Edition, Vintage Russia

The Prophet Armed: Trotsky 1879–1921 by Isaac Deutscher (Vintage Russian Library, 1965) A key 20th-century political biography, The Prophet Armed is the first volume in Isaac Deutscher’s acclaimed trilogy on Leon Trotsky. This 1965 Vintage Books edition captures the revolutionary’s early life and rise to power between 1879 and 1921, drawn from deep historical scholarship and primary Soviet sources. Deutscher—once a Polish Marxist and journalist exiled in Britain—was known for his nuanced and empathetic portrayal of complex political figures. Part of the Vintage Russian Library series, this paperback reflects the mid-century surge of Western academic interest in Soviet history during the Cold War. The cover design by Robert Korn features the striking early portrait of Trotsky with his trademark pince-nez glasses, a now-iconic image that has influenced many later editions. Perfect for collectors of Cold War–era political writing, vintage Penguin/Vintage paperbacks, or anyone interested in revolutionary history, Marxism, or Soviet intellectual culture. Condition: Good vintage condition with general edge wear and light surface rubbing to the cover. Binding solid and pages intact. Previous owner’s name written in pen on title page (Sarah Troy). Mild age toning consistent with 1960s paper stock.