Khrushchev--a political life

the long version

Khrushchev: A Political Life traces the fortunes of one of this century's most colorful and controversial statesmen, from his peasant origins through his rise to supreme power and subsequent fall. Drawing on newly available material, this biography provides the most detailed account to date of Khrushchev's early life and career. Tompson also concentrates on the many contradictions of Khrushchev's years in power, such as his desire for consumer welfare and detente and determination not to sacrifice the more traditional goals of the Soviet regime.