On 23 October 1956, what began as a mass rally in Budapest quickly evolved into the Hungarian Revolution which millions were supporting within days. It lasted until 4 November, when it was crushed by Security Police and Soviet tanks and artillery. Thousands of rebels and Soviets were killed and injured, and nearly a quarter of a million people fled as refugees.

Erich Lessing documented the short-lived uprising and its aftermath in a series of photographs, superbly reproduced here. These world-famous images bring to life once more the hope and euphoria of the first days of the revolt, so soon to be followed by the pain and punishment of its brutal suppression.

Lessing’s introduction to the book records his memories of those fervid days in Budapest. Political journalist François Fejtö writes about the political and historical background; Hungarian novelist George Konrad tells of his personal experiences during the period; and historian Nicolas Bauquet discusses the aftermath of the revolt and its repercussions in the Western world.