"The Black Book of Communism" is a controversial work published in 1997, authored by several historians, including Stéphane Courtois. The book documents the history of communist regimes in the 20th century, estimating the number of deaths caused by these regimes to be around 100 million. It aims to provide a comprehensive account of the human cost associated with communism, highlighting atrocities committed in countries like Soviet Union, China, and Cambodia. The book sparked significant debate and criticism, with some scholars questioning its methodology and conclusions. Supporters argue that it serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism, while detractors claim it oversimplifies complex historical events. Overall, "The Black Book of Communism" remains a pivotal text in discussions about the impact of communist ideologies.