Khrushchev: The Years in Power (Norton Library (Paperback))

Rating:
Summary: A One-Sided Look at Khrushchev
Review: A more appropriate title for this book would have been "Khrushchev: The Economic and Agricultural Decisions". I bought this book hoping to get insight into Nikita Khrushchev's years in power. Unfortunately, the book focuses too much on Khrushchev's agricultural decisions.

Little mention is made of Khrushchev's foreign policy. His visit to America is briefly mentioned. The deteriorating relationship between the Soviet Union and China is only discussed at a slightly greater length. Perhaps the best chapters are the ones that show Khrsuhchev's rise to power. From the position he held prior to Stalin's death, he seemed to be an unlikely leader. However, he quickly gained control and popularity attaining the leadership status. Much of the support Khrushchev gained was due the agricultural success he initiated under Stalin and his condemnation of Stalin's brutal leadership after Stalin's death. While Khrushchev did many positive things for the Soviet Union, the economic and specifically agricultural failures he experienced as a leader haunt his reputation.

I would only suggest this book if you are interested it the economic and agricultural policy of the Soviet Union during this period. Aside from these points, the book has little else to offer.

Rating:
Summary: A One-Sided Look at Khrushchev
Review: A more appropriate title for this book would have been "Khrushchev: The Economic and Agricultural Decisions". I bought this book hoping to get insight into Nikita Khrushchev's years in power. Unfortunately, the book focuses too much on Khrushchev's agricultural decisions.

Little mention is made of Khrushchev's foreign policy. His visit to America is briefly mentioned. The deteriorating relationship between the Soviet Union and China is only discussed at a slightly greater length. Perhaps the best chapters are the ones that show Khrsuhchev's rise to power. From the position he held prior to Stalin's death, he seemed to be an unlikely leader. However, he quickly gained control and popularity attaining the leadership status. Much of the support Khrushchev gained was due the agricultural success he initiated under Stalin and his condemnation of Stalin's brutal leadership after Stalin's death. While Khrushchev did many positive things for the Soviet Union, the economic and specifically agricultural failures he experienced as a leader haunt his reputation.

I would only suggest this book if you are interested it the economic and agricultural policy of the Soviet Union during this period. Aside from these points, the book has little else to offer.