Khrushchev: A Political Life

by William Tompson

This is a thorough biography of one of the century's most important and misunderstood leaders-Nikita Khruschev. Using newly uncovered archival material, William Tompson concentrates on Khrushchev's years in power and his role in shaping the development of the Soviet Union after Stalin.

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1994

Reviews

[Timothy L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what brought me to read this book. Khrushchev isn't exactly the guy I would look for a book about first. However, I found this one a while back and gave it a go.

Khrushchev is fascinating. This book gives a lot of detail about him, his origins and accomplishments. He is kind of an enigma to many in the west, perhaps more so than Stalin or Brezhnev. So much is storied about Stalin. Brezhnev was more available in media or at least to an audience listening to it about foreign issues. However, Khrushchev as no small player in higher echelons of Russian politics. Perhaps he was the most dramatic and outspoken of old-school Russian leaders.

I enjoyed the book. It will give you insight into events like the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK and Castro; all of which are salient to Americans as many of us were dynamically affected by these.

[Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long and dry, but a good review of the politics within the ruling class.