An examination of Gorky's active participation in the political, social and cultural life of his country during a crucial period in modern history, this volume traces Gorky's rise to fame in his country and abroad. It explores how he came close to Lenin and the Bolsheviks, taking active part in the Revolution of 1905 and how he went into an exile that lasted until 1913, returning on the eve of World War I. His involvement in the revolutions of February and October 1917 is covered along with his second exile of 1921 and the subsequent event s up to his death in 1936.