Maiski's diaries nearly cost him his life, but now they make him immortal. The diaries of Ivan Maiski, discovered by Gabriel Gorodetsky in Moscow, are a spectacular find. Anyone interested in the history of World War II will read them with bated breath. They provide unique insights into the Allies' struggle against the Third Reich and paint a vivid portrait of an era on the brink – unusually lively, filled with anecdotes and sharp character sketches, a feast for any history enthusiast.

In 1932, Ivan Maiski was appointed as the Soviet ambassador in London. Earlier than elsewhere, the Kremlin recognized that Hitler was at the gates of the Reich Chancellery and that his rise to power could bring a new war to Europe. Maiski was tasked with preparing Moscow's rapprochement with the Western powers. After many setbacks, he indeed became the architect of the Soviet-Western alliance during World War II.

Maiski was a central figure in the fight against Hitler. His brilliantly written diaries allow us a glimpse behind the scenes of great history, skillfully complemented by illuminating intertexts with quotes from private correspondence, official telegrams, and Maiski's memoirs.