Customer Reviews

Memoirs

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For a half-century, Andrei Gromyko served the Soviet political machine as an Ambassador, Deputy Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister and President.

This is essentially a second edition of his memoirs; as the first issue, a 1988 Russian edition, was published in two volumes. Very little material appears in both editions.

Relying heavily on sketches of political figures and entertainers he met over the many years, the book falls well short of delving into the major issues surrounding World War II and the Cold War. And it is a bit ironic that Gromyko passed away shortly after completing what would be the final chapter in the book, More About Stalin.

But the book remains an important piece in studying Soviet history, simply because of who is the author. Though besides some biting quips on individuals, Gromyko breezes through the vital factors of Soviet statecraft through an oftentimes unconvincing party line.