The Degaev Affair chronicles the life of Sergei Degaev, a pivotal figure in Russian revolutionary terrorism who vanished after orchestrating the assassination of Russia's chief of security in 1883. The narrative follows Degaev's intricate betrayals within the revolutionary movement and his subsequent reinvention as Alexander Pell, a mathematics professor at the University of South Dakota. This work meticulously details the extraordinary trajectory of a man who navigated the dangerous currents of political extremism and then sought refuge in academia.

This biography offers a detailed account of a lesser-known but significant figure in revolutionary history. The narrative's strength lies in its meticulous research, tracing Degaev's dual life from the violent political underground of Russia to the quiet halls of American academia. The book is likely to appeal to readers interested in Russian history, political extremism, and the complexities of individual identity. It provides a comprehensive look at a man who masterfully concealed his past while contributing to a different field.