Konstantin kuzakov

One of the most controversial figures in Soviet history, Joseph Stalin , is praised by some and hated by others. He was the leader of the nation that turned the tide against the Nazis, and at the same time was responsible for the deaths of a countless number of his own people. One is free to choose how to remember him, but no one would deny that his life had had a long-standing influence on what came after.

But what do we know about his personal life? How did this major controversial figure like to spend his spare time? Thanks to his parents, Joseph Stalin was fond of reading since early years, and this passion remained with him throughout his life.

Svetlana alliluyeva

He was a fast reader, often making a lot of notes on the margins. Sometimes Stalin liked to have a break from work and visit the Bolshoi Theatre for some opera, or his personal cinema room in the Kremlin. As we explained previously , the Soviet leader adored cinema, often inviting his fellow party members to private screenings, and acting as a sort of super-distributor of foreign films for the Soviet movie industry many of these films never made it out of the room.

Some say that Stalin knew all the dialogue and songs by heart. The Soviet leader was also a big fan of large get-togethers with a variety of dishes, mainly of European, Russian and Georgian cuisine. It usually resembled a sort of buffet dinner - with home-cooked bread, beverages, starters, salads, soups, and hot dishes.

The staff would serve the food and then leave the room - Stalin and his guests would then help themselves with everything they wanted to have, without any servants. Such dinners could last for six hours or longer. Stalin had allegedly had three chefs at his estate, with one extra chef at the Kremlin, if needed.