The Prophet Outcast: Trotsky, 1929–1940 is the third in a three volume biography of Leon Trotsky (Lev Davidovich Bronstein) ( – 21 August 1940) by the Polish-British historian Isaac Deutscher. It was first published in 1963 by Oxford University Press.
Synopsis and structure Volume three chronicles the final years of Leon Trotsky's life, from his exile in 1929 until his assassination in 1940. The book details Trotsky's forced departure from the Soviet Union, his efforts to continue his political work and critique of Joseph Stalin from abroad, and the formation of the Fourth International. It examines his writings, his personal life in exile, and the increasing threats he faced from Stalin's regime, ultimately culminating in his death. The narrative portrays Trotsky's unwavering commitment to his political beliefs despite facing isolation and danger.
Chapters: Preface – The scope and significance of Trotsky's life and work. On the Princes’ Isles – Covers Trotsky's initial exile on Prinkipo Island, detailing his reflections on the Soviet Union's direction and his efforts to maintain political influence from abroad. Reason and Unreason – Examines Trotsky's ideological battles against Stalinist policies, highlighting his critiques of the Soviet regime and the challenges he faced in rallying opposition. The Revolutionary as Historian – Focuses on Trotsky's work as a historian, particularly his writings on the Russian Revolution, and how he used history to support his political arguments. "Enemy of the People" – Details the increasing vilification of Trotsky by the Soviet government, portraying him as a traitor and consolidating Stalin's power through propaganda. The "Hell-Black Night" – Describes the period of the Great Purge, during which many of Trotsky's allies were executed, and the profound personal and political losses he endured. Postscript: Victory in Defeat – Reflects on Trotsky's legacy, considering how his ideas persisted despite his assassination and the suppression of his followers. Bibliography – Provides a list of sources and references used throughout the volume.
Volume three is the final volume in the trilogy; the preceding volume is The Prophet Unarmed: Trotsky, 1921–1929.
Reception and academic reviews
Release information Hardcover: January 1, 1963 (First Edition), Oxford University Press, 543 pp. Paperback: January 2004, Verso Books, 512 pp. Kindle: 2004, Verso Books. Audiobook: 2025, Tantor Media, narrated by Nigel Patterson, duration: .
Series overview The Prophet is a three-volume biography of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky by the Polish-British historian Isaac Deutscher. The series traces Trotsky's life from his early revolutionary activities to his eventual assassination in exile. Widely read and influential, the trilogy presents a sympathetic but critical account of Trotsky's political development and historical significance.
Similar or related works Trotsky: A Biography by Robert Service (2009). Trotsky by Tony Cliff (1989–1993, 4 vols.). Leon Trotsky: A Revolutionary's Life by Joshua Rubenstein (2011).
About the author
Isaac Deutscher (; 3 April 1907 – 19 August 1967) was a Polish Marxist writer, journalist and political activist who moved to the United Kingdom before the outbreak of World War II. He is best known as a biographer of Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin and as a commentator on Soviet affairs.
See also Russian Revolution Marxist historiography Trotskyism
Leon Trotsky bibliography
References Notes
Citations
Further reading
External links Archive.org – The Prophet Armed Archive.org – The Prophet Unarmed Archive.org – The Prophet Outcast