Artyom Borovik, who died last year, was considered one of the preeminent journalists in Russia. The first glimpse inside the Soviet military machine, The Hidden War captured the soldiers' terror, helplessness, and despair at waging war in a foreign land against an unseen enemy for unclear purposes. When first published, Borovik's groundbreaking revelations exposed the weaknesses beneath the Soviet Union's aura of military might, creating an enormous controversy both in Russia and around the world. The Hidden War is a vital and fascinating portrait of the Soviet empire at the twilight of its power. "I have read no other account of the war in Afghanistan equal to this.... This is literature, not journalism." -- Graham Greene "Alternately fascinating and horrific ... A fascinating look at the life and death of Soviet soldiers." -- Bill Wallace, San Francisco Chronicle