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Cold War: For Forty-Five Years the World Held Its Breath
The story of the half-century since the end of World War II This history's framework is the confrontation, military and ideological, between two great powers that dominated the world during these years. It is a story of crises and conflict on a global from the Berlin Blockade and the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the tanks in the streets of Warsaw, Budapest, and Prague, to spies, student riots, and encounters in space. Jeremy Isaacs and Taylor Downing record epic history through the detail of individual human the recollections not only of statesmen whose decisions led to these momentous events, but also of the ordinary men and women whose lives were bound up in these years of conflict. This is the first comprehensive history for the general reader to benefit from the recent opening of Soviet, East European, and Chinese archives as well as formerly classified American documents. In a driving narrative that it both gripping and informative, the true story of the Cold War can at last be told.
540 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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283 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Isaacs
14 books1 followerSir Jeremy Isaacs (born 28 September 1932) is a Scottish television producer and executive, winner of many BAFTA awards and international Emmy Awards. He was also General Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (1987–96).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 26, 2023
A companion to the ground breaking UK TV series in the late 1990s. This is a thoroughly detailed documentary on the Cold War that split Berlin, Europe and the world for 45 years, as the ideologies of capitalism and communism battled for supremacy. The book is taken from a US, USSR and Chinese point of view and is not at all UK-centric, which makes it a truly world view book. Among many other topics it covers the end of World War II, splitting Berlin, the Iron Curtain, the Korean War, the Vietnam wars, The Middle East, Central America & Chile etc. as well as looks at the likes of Churchill, Truman, Stalin, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Khrushchev, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Brezhnev, Carter, Kissinger, Chairman Mao, etc... with a more detailed look at Reagan and Garbochev. A fantastic read. 8 out of 12, For Stars.
2010 read
2010 read
February 15, 2021
A great,concise and rich overview and narrative of the cold war. Had great pleasure absorbing the rich history which came with each chapter. Would reccomend to all pals and mate and friends. @roganjsh
September 6, 2013
Documenting over 40 years of history as complex as the Cold War was never going to be easy but credit goes to Jeremy Isaac in trying to replicate the magic he made with World At War. The book is essentially an accompaniment to the 24 part TV program of the same name that was aired on CNN. You can catch these programs as they can be found on YouTube. I throughly recommend you read a chapter than watch the accompanying TV episode. The reason to do this is because the TV episodes will cover areas in more detail than the book. The book only quotes small passages of people who were at center stage of events folding while the TV program will give these people more time to explain what they saw or did.
If you want to know detailed knowledge on the Cuban Missile Crises, Berlin Wall, Korean War, Vietnam and other Cold War events than this is not the book but if you want an overview of what, why and how things happened during those 40 years than this is an excellent introduction....or you could watch it all on YouTube.
The conclusion is excellent and overall it is fair judge of history.
If you want to know detailed knowledge on the Cuban Missile Crises, Berlin Wall, Korean War, Vietnam and other Cold War events than this is not the book but if you want an overview of what, why and how things happened during those 40 years than this is an excellent introduction....or you could watch it all on YouTube.
The conclusion is excellent and overall it is fair judge of history.
July 11, 2017
The two primary take aways for me from this book were:
a) The Soviet Union closed down, much like the British empire. It wasn't muscled into submission, nor did it experience a revolt like what overthrew the Tsars. I never appreciated how much the entire Soviet system was simply dismantled by it's own politicians because they perceived that 'they couldn't keep living like this.'
Attempting to sustain an arms race with America (who had a more effective economic system) was leaving the Soviets destitute and unable to compete socially or culturally (like in terms of consumer goods). I was impressed by Gorbachev's vision and energy, and most of all his daring, to peacefully transition the Soviet Union away from it's totalitarian communist traditions. Yet he was also too short-sighted, unable to see that his reforms doomed the Soviet project entirely. He thought he could have his cake and eat it too, and instead Yeltsin outed him. Isaacs gives far more credit to Gorbachev and the Russians for ending the Cold War than America, Reagan and Bush senior. That was very interesting.
b) I did not appreciate, as someone born after the Cold War ended, just how close we came to a nuclear holocaust. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to false steps to even accidents with nuclear bombs that luckily did not explode, I got the impression that we reloaded the world save-game at 1945 and replayed the Cold War, there would be a very good chance that things would play out differently a second time and everyone would die. We were incredibly lucky.
a) The Soviet Union closed down, much like the British empire. It wasn't muscled into submission, nor did it experience a revolt like what overthrew the Tsars. I never appreciated how much the entire Soviet system was simply dismantled by it's own politicians because they perceived that 'they couldn't keep living like this.'
Attempting to sustain an arms race with America (who had a more effective economic system) was leaving the Soviets destitute and unable to compete socially or culturally (like in terms of consumer goods). I was impressed by Gorbachev's vision and energy, and most of all his daring, to peacefully transition the Soviet Union away from it's totalitarian communist traditions. Yet he was also too short-sighted, unable to see that his reforms doomed the Soviet project entirely. He thought he could have his cake and eat it too, and instead Yeltsin outed him. Isaacs gives far more credit to Gorbachev and the Russians for ending the Cold War than America, Reagan and Bush senior. That was very interesting.
b) I did not appreciate, as someone born after the Cold War ended, just how close we came to a nuclear holocaust. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to false steps to even accidents with nuclear bombs that luckily did not explode, I got the impression that we reloaded the world save-game at 1945 and replayed the Cold War, there would be a very good chance that things would play out differently a second time and everyone would die. We were incredibly lucky.
April 3, 2020
A very informative and accessible history that covers the major parts of the Cold War from the traditionally considered inception to end end of the period. Not as in depth as some e.g. Gaddis, but I don't believe this is meant to be that sort of book. Hearty recommended for students starting their study of this period or anyone who has some knowledge but wants to learn more.
The TV series that can be readily found on YouTube is also a must watch especially for the interviews that they had with the people who lived through this.
The TV series that can be readily found on YouTube is also a must watch especially for the interviews that they had with the people who lived through this.
January 1, 2020
It’s been a few years since I read this book and was inspired to read it before taking a city break to Berlin. It filled in lots of gaps in my knowledge and I also found myself having some sympathy with the Russia after the bruising onslaught they received from back to back World Wars where they were targeted.
November 22, 2022
An excellent introduction to the Cold War and to the MADness that is Mutually Assured Destruction. This book was very readable and is set out a bit like a textbook, with images and breakout boxes. I also liked how it wasn't strictly linear but rather discussed 'episodes' which overlap chronologically with other events discussed elsewhere.
November 8, 2025
It's a chronicle that turns the shadow of nuclear dread into a riveting human saga, proving once again that the best histories read like thrillers.
The book contains lots of small anecdotes and also reinforces some other facts that the reader may already know. Plus, it contains a treasure trove of sources of other books to read.
It's a must-read for any Cold War aficionado out there!
The book contains lots of small anecdotes and also reinforces some other facts that the reader may already know. Plus, it contains a treasure trove of sources of other books to read.
It's a must-read for any Cold War aficionado out there!
March 5, 2021
One of the best and most comprehensive general read on the Cold War. Full of illustrations, detailed but not overtly academic, with ample emphasis on the key players, yet still read as personal and touching.
June 6, 2019
It's a good book with an overall view of the cold war period. It delves deep enough into each matter without being too exhaustive.
May 22, 2021
Very good narration of the cold war with the view of both sides east and west.
November 25, 2021
Interesting overview of the period of the Cold War. Doesn’t go into too much detail but enough to keep you interested.
December 19, 2023
A crisp, magnficent, read, in a textbook format, this book represents an outstanding resource now, and in the future...
May 31, 2024
Pretty good. Comprehensive but reads like a 500 page Wikipedia article. You get to know the facts and key events of the Cold War but little expansive detail with few exceptions.
December 2, 2025
Одлична књига, врло занимљива и највећим дијелом објективна (без претјераног западњачког величања) и поред тога са одличним корицама и сјајно изгледа на полици. Шта још човјек да пожели?
July 4, 2013
Cold war was one of the topics that was scarcely covered in Indian History text books. I possessed a superficial knowledge about it, but always wanted to know more. I randomly picked this book up from the shelf and was not disappointed.
The book covers the entire sequence of events between 1917 till 1991. The authors have focused upon the uneasy alliance between the US and the USSR between 1917 - 1945 with the rise of the Nazis and the Japanese. The authors narrate events in chronological order and have done a wonderful job of capturing the tension and the mutual enmity between the two superpowers. Reading the book was like watching one of those Hollywood war movies. The narration of the book is aided by quotes, discussions, tapes and newspaper articles to capture the mood of 45 years of restlessness.
Some chapters of the book stand out on their own : Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, M.A.D, Berlin Wall, Partition of Berlin, Korea.
The authors stick to listing events chronologically throughout the book and refrain from ideological bouts between capitalism and communism.
This book portrays how the American leaders instilled fear about communism, in its citizens, which is quite disturbing to read. The book also gives insight into as how communists were hunted down by the CIA and other secretive agencies in the US. And to see how the West is scared of Islam now, must be a sort of déjà vu for the survivors of the cold war era. Certain sections of the book, dwell upon the reasoning of actions of the American leaders. It seemed as if the authors were trying to justify certain actions, whereas I found no equivalent reasoning or an attempt it, for the actions of the leaders of USSR. The authors have spent considerable time in talking about the mindset of Americans and the remaining countries in the West whereas it seems they have not covered that aspect when mentioning about the people of the Soviet Union. They have repeatedly quoted the brutality of Soviet leaders against their own citizens but fail to discover as to how in that case (if true), they managed to build such a powerful empire and won the admiration of most of its citizens. I personally perceive that to be a major downside to an otherwise great book about the cold war.
The book covers the entire sequence of events between 1917 till 1991. The authors have focused upon the uneasy alliance between the US and the USSR between 1917 - 1945 with the rise of the Nazis and the Japanese. The authors narrate events in chronological order and have done a wonderful job of capturing the tension and the mutual enmity between the two superpowers. Reading the book was like watching one of those Hollywood war movies. The narration of the book is aided by quotes, discussions, tapes and newspaper articles to capture the mood of 45 years of restlessness.
Some chapters of the book stand out on their own : Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, M.A.D, Berlin Wall, Partition of Berlin, Korea.
The authors stick to listing events chronologically throughout the book and refrain from ideological bouts between capitalism and communism.
This book portrays how the American leaders instilled fear about communism, in its citizens, which is quite disturbing to read. The book also gives insight into as how communists were hunted down by the CIA and other secretive agencies in the US. And to see how the West is scared of Islam now, must be a sort of déjà vu for the survivors of the cold war era. Certain sections of the book, dwell upon the reasoning of actions of the American leaders. It seemed as if the authors were trying to justify certain actions, whereas I found no equivalent reasoning or an attempt it, for the actions of the leaders of USSR. The authors have spent considerable time in talking about the mindset of Americans and the remaining countries in the West whereas it seems they have not covered that aspect when mentioning about the people of the Soviet Union. They have repeatedly quoted the brutality of Soviet leaders against their own citizens but fail to discover as to how in that case (if true), they managed to build such a powerful empire and won the admiration of most of its citizens. I personally perceive that to be a major downside to an otherwise great book about the cold war.
August 9, 2015
I read this book to try and get a second view on the Cold War after reading Gaddis' Cold War earlier in the year.
Cold War: for forty five years the world held its breath is a an accessible, well balanced summary of that period in the 20th century. Whereas Gaddis's book was clearly, and acknowledged by the author, leaning to one side, Isaacs and Downing account is the one I would recommend for someone looking to get an general and better understanding of the conflict.
It is a problem that I often have with history books-the author's bias is often quite clear and strong. I know the answer will never be in one book only, but I truly enjoyed this book and felt I got much out of it; I almost felt thankful to the authors for bringing a different perspective and for what I can see ensuring both sides of the story are covered both for their evils and goods. This book has inspired me to continue investigating more about those troubled years.
Cold War: for forty five years the world held its breath is a an accessible, well balanced summary of that period in the 20th century. Whereas Gaddis's book was clearly, and acknowledged by the author, leaning to one side, Isaacs and Downing account is the one I would recommend for someone looking to get an general and better understanding of the conflict.
It is a problem that I often have with history books-the author's bias is often quite clear and strong. I know the answer will never be in one book only, but I truly enjoyed this book and felt I got much out of it; I almost felt thankful to the authors for bringing a different perspective and for what I can see ensuring both sides of the story are covered both for their evils and goods. This book has inspired me to continue investigating more about those troubled years.
August 6, 2011
I enjoy this book. It is easy to read even my first language is not English. It tells me more on what has happened during this period, and how close we are to a nuclear war and the total destruction of the world. It makes me more admirable to Gorbachev for his courage to take the first action to end the Cold War, even the real reason to do so may be because of the economic. I think the weak part in this book is that insufficient detail is covered in middle east conflict, but I believe it is a complex topic to be covered in such a short book. However, it definitely has aroused my interest to read some other book on middle east.
November 15, 2017
A concise narrative of events, nothing more, nothing less. This book tells the story of the Cold War, from beginning to end and everything in between, covering all the key issues and happenings. But that it all it does. If you're looking for an in-depth analysis of the Cold War, you won't find it here. This can be used as a great way to start learning about the Cold War, but for those who already know a lot about it(as I did) probably won't find much.
April 25, 2015
If you are looking for a very basic and simple guide to the Cold War then this is the perfect book. It covers a 45 years of high tensions and fear adeptly and is ideal for a general overview of the period.
March 30, 2013
This is probably the best book I've read on the Cold War; it's detailed without being dry, and is well presented. It's a definite must have for the bookshelf.
December 4, 2014
good primer
November 3, 2015
An interesting read, although a sense of seeing history through stars-and-stripes-tinted glasses does come to the fore
February 16, 2016
A very clear, detailed, yet concised version of the Cold War.
March 26, 2017
Cold.
February 4, 2019
A splendid read - probably one of the most read books in my library, as attested to by the state of the cover. Well-written, elegantly illustrated, and with a reference list that goes on for miles, this book is suitable both as a casual read and a reference work. You are drawn into the intricacies of the era, and it is hard to put down.
Isaacs and Downing take you through the intricacies of the Cold War, from the post-war air bridge into Tempelhof to the dismantling of the Soviet Union.
Isaacs and Downing take you through the intricacies of the Cold War, from the post-war air bridge into Tempelhof to the dismantling of the Soviet Union.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews