The Cold War: A History in Documents and Eyewitness Accounts

by Jussi M. Hanhimäki (Editor), Odd Arne Westad (Editor)

The Cold War contains a selection of official and unofficial documents which provide a truly multi-faceted account of the entire Cold War era. The experiences of the East Berlin housewife are placed alongside those of the South African student; the participation of political leaders from Europe and the Third World stand juxtaposed. Not only does this book put a human face on the conflict, but it draws emphasis to the variety of ways in which this conflict was experienced. The final selection of documents illustrates the global impact of the Cold War to the present day, and establishes links between the Cold War and the events of 11th September 2001.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Russia, American History

712 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2003

Reviews

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent book for primary sources during the cold war but it is kind of Westerncentric.

[Tom Oman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible repository of a profound number of source documents that shaped a large part of the world we live in today. Actual telegrams and memo's, communique's between heads of state; you name it. There are small explanations for much of it, but it allows you to read the history of the Cold War laid bare and see how these events actually played out.

An inexhaustible insight into the inner workings of diplomacy and politics and the complex and multi-layered aspects of the international realm and foreign policy.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool documents, some but not enough helpful commentary.

[Tom Oman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I always go back to. Actually works as a bit of a bathroom reader as well.

[AskHistorians]

An excellent collection by eminent Cold War historians. Eyewitness accounts and documents.