This demonized image of the "damned Stalinist era" has been strenuously imposed on public consciousness for more than half a century. This black myth poisons minds and hearts. This topic still splits Russian society - on those who unconditionally condemn the "Stalinist repressions," and those who are looking for them, if not an excuse, then an explanation. This book is an attempt to understand the problem of the Great Terror objectively and impartially, without resorting to ritual curses, avoiding ideological cliches, without falling into hysterics, relying not on emotions, rumors and speculation, but on documents and facts.