Although it's a coffee-table book, it's a great single volume history of the cold war that goes the whole distance from 1945-1989. There's plenty of interesting stories and information, as well as great pictures. Highly recommended for people with interest in the cold war. ( )

This is a very readable account of the Cold War and as I found out after I had read it, tied in with a TV series. Books on this kind of subject can be pretty hard to get through, especially being politcally based rather than 'war based. This book however is very easy to get through if a little simplified and American centric at times. I really liked the way that its split into a roughly chronological order but with each section focusing on an event rather than a rigid time line.

I vaguely remember the wall coming down but my knowledge of the Cold War was limited to that prior to reading the book and I'm glad to say that my lack of knowledge didnt impede my reading of the book. Its a period of time I find fascinating so being able to flesh out the little bits I knew was great. I would have liked more photos in the book. There are a few black and white images printed throughout the book but no glossy colour photos in the middle like most non-fiction titles I read. Also throughout the book are notes detailing important people or events in a very succinct way. They werent really needed in my opinion but might prove useful for people who know nothing about the cold war.

A fascinating read. ( )

A splendid read - probably one of the most read books in my library, as attested to by the state of the cover. Well-written, elegantly illustrated, and with a reference list that goes on for miles, this book is suitable both as a casual read and a reference work. You are drawn into the intricacies of the era, and it is hard to put down. ( )