Who cannot be fascinated by Forbes “Most Powerful Man in the World”? Author weaves an interesting summation of Putin’s life and times, but, of necessity, has no direct access to the man, who is ultimately unknowable. I would have preferred a more unbiased reporting of recent events. The triumph of the Sochi Olympics is downplayed. Putin’s disdain for Western decadence and immorality is brushed off as paranoia.