Russia, America and the Cold War: 1949-1991

Seminar Studies in History

by Martin McCauley

The conflict between Russia and America shaped the world for over four decades. Both were universalist powers – they wanted every country in the world to copy their model of government and economy. They could not rest until the other side had been vanquished, and until the mid-1980s this included the prospect of nuclear war. In a new edition of one of the best-selling books in the Seminar Studies in History Series, Martin McCauley looks at the epic struggle between the two superpowers that put everyone in danger. In a clear and accessible manner, the Also containing a Chronology, Glossary and Who’s Who of key figures, this revised second edition of Russia, America and the Cold War is essential reading for all students of twentieth century history. Martin McCauley is a seasoned writer and broadcaster who has a wealth of experience in Russian and international affairs. His recent publications include T he Origins of the Cold War revised 3rd edition (2008), Stalin and Stalinism revised 3rd edition (2008) and The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union (2007)

Genres: Nonfiction, History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Martin McCauley is author, senior lecturer at the university of London on Eastern Europe, China and the new terrorism.

Reviews

[Jarrod · Rating 1 out of 5]

The editor of the second edition fell down on the job. There are several glaring errors. Such as quotes about the price of Gulf War I. Was it $100 billion or $100 million as referenced a couple pages later?

The claim about Sputnik and Eisenhower is outlandish and with no documentation provided can be treated as little more than a conspiracy theory.

Like most books it confuses Russia with the Soviet Union. As such it misses the complexity of the Cold War.

The book might be appropriate for eight graders or someone that has never heard of the Soviet Union.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent ability to take a dense course of information and condense it for anyone to understand and appreciate. Much of the information shed light on politics and polices in effect today. Like the relationship between Russia, the United States, and the European Union. Seems as though Russia has always been considered the outcast party.

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

My son, who has been out of High School for several years, read this for a class therein. It's been kicking around, so I picked it up to read here and there.
Pretty dry, but some of the internal memos and speeches were good to read.

[Abe Frank]

This was bad!

[Sophia]

Read for school

[Hollis Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the successor volume to McCauley's book on the origins of the war and it does a similarly good job of covering a different area of the Cold War.

[Katriena Knights · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of good information but really dry. A difficult slog to read.