The Decline and Fall of Soviet Empire : Forty Years That Shook The World, From Stalin to Yeltsin

by Fred Coleman

Release Date: 15 August, 1997

Edition: Paperback

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Interesting 'Point of View'

For someone such as myself who is interested but not obsessed with Soviet history, this was an interesting read. I'm not sure I agree with the author's belief that America is partly to blame for Communism lasting as long as it did, but I did find his 'take' on it very interesting. The Soviet Union were master's of deception. It's not hard to believe why we (Americans) were a little intimidated by them. All in all, this was a good read. I give it 4 stars because I didn't get bored with it.

All in all, relatively poor

All in all, I was pretty disappointed by this book. The author's role as a journalist provided some unique insights into Soviet like and culture, but his writing ability appeared to be somewhat limited.
As stated in other reviews, the author constantly repeats the same points in every chapter. Also, I think the author is placing too much blame on the actions of Western nation in not doing more to contain the Soviet Union. In hindsight, they should have definitely have done more, but I when you are threatened with nuclear war, it is understandable to "walk on eggshells" with your foreign policy.
This book contains many interesting points and anecdotes, but is a tedious read.