One Man in his Time

An extraordinary rediscovered memoir of one man striving to make a distinguished scientific career—and live an ordinary life—amidst the brutal purges of Stalinist Russia

“Remarkable. . . an astonishing testimony that has never seemed more timely or more pertinent”  — Nicholas Shakespeare

From humble origins, the eminent Russian scientist Nicholas Borodin forged a career in microbiology in the era of Stalin. Pragmatic and dedicated to his work, he accepted the Soviet regime, so much so that he even worked on several occasions with the Secret Police, providing information on those around him.

But in 1948, while on a state-sponsored trip to the UK to report on the bulk manufacture of antibiotics, he could no longer ignore his rising consciousness of the suppression of independent thought in his country. It was then that he committed high treason by writing to the Soviet ambassador to renounce his citizenship.

One Man in his Time is the story of a man trying to live an ordinary life in extraordinary times. Rich in incident and astonishing details, it charts Borodin’s childhood during the revolution and famine through to his scientific career amidst the suspicion and violence of the purges. Written with crystal clarity, it is unsparing and frank in its depiction of the author’s collaboration with Soviet authorities. Published here with an introduction by foreign correspondent and journalist John Simpson, One Man in His Time offers unparalleled insight into the daily reality of life under totalitarian rule.