Khrushchev

The Man and His Era

By: William Taubman

Narrated by: David Stifel

The definitive biography of the mercurial Soviet leader who succeeded and denounced Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev was one of the most complex and important political figures of the twentieth century. Ruler of the Soviet Union during the first decade after Stalin's death, Khrushchev left a contradictory stamp on his country and on the world. His life and career mirror the Soviet experience: revolution, civil war, famine, collectivization, industrialization, terror, world war, cold war, Stalinism, post-Stalinism. Complicit in terrible Stalinist crimes, Khrushchev nevertheless retained his humanity: his daring attempt to reform communism prepared the ground for its eventual collapse; and his awkward efforts to ease the cold war triggered its most dangerous crises.

This is the first comprehensive biography of Khrushchev and the first of any Soviet leader to reflect the full range of sources that have become available since the USSR collapsed. Combining historical narrative with penetrating political and psychological analysis, this book brims with the life and excitement of a man whose story personified his era.

©2003 William Taubman (P)2022 Tantor

Remarkable story That very few people know of

You may think this is just another historical tale of a bygone Soviet leader. However, as Taubman recounts, Nikita Khrushchev was one of the most colorful figures in modern history. And the way that Tubman describes Nikita and his life is riveting, exceptionally detailed and well worth the read. One of the best books I’ve ever read.

In depth

Thos was the most on depth book I've come across covering all of his life. The fact he was so complex speaks to the human condition and tne contradictions in our own lives. Highly recommend.

Fantastic insight into post Stalin Soviet Union and critical events of the Cold War

This book provided tons of context on the modern history of Russia, with its many stumbles and triumphs in the attempt to convert the world to communism.

Better than I expected

I bought this and sat on it for a while, I was into other topics at the time, but finally came back to it. I don't remember another book that filled in more blanks and answered more questions about life after Stalin than this one. So many loose ends were tied up, I'll be doing this one again. Much of world history is answered by this book and I have always been fascinated by Russian history in particular, especially since not much has happened since 1900 that doesn't involve them. Great book!!

Great

Not a communist or even a modern day socialist. Yet despite his political leanings, by his own admission “blood up to my elbows” this book portrayed grace, mercy, forgiveness, forbearance and courage via the life of Nikita Khrushchev to me. Shame on the pro-Stalinist SOB’s that orchestrated so ignominious a final farewell to this courageous man! If there was ever a true “Hero of the Soviet Union” Nikita K would be most worthy of consideration for such recognition.