Khrushchev [Paperback]

This concise, approachable introduction to Khrushchev explores the innovative theme of Khrushchev as reformer, arguing that the 'bumbling' nature of those reforms only partly reflected Khrushchev's uncertainty about how to act. Swain provides a cogent account of Khrushchev's political career and of his wider role in Soviet and world politics.

Introduction.- 1. Becoming a Party Apparatchik  1894-1929.- 2. Stalin's Favourite, 1929-1941.- 3. Questioning Stalin, 1941-1953.- 4. Dethroning Stalin, 1953-1956.- 5. Ousting Stalinists.- 6. Constructing Communism at Home, 1958-62.- 7. Confronting Capitalism.- 8. The Reformer Ousted.- Conclusion.

Geoffrey Swain is Alec Nove Professor of Russian and Eastern European Studies at the University of Glasgow, UK.Innovative presentation of Khrushchev as a great reformer of the Soviet political system and Soviet socialism
Draws on various published sources from the Soviet Union/Russia and recently published documents
Written by a leading historian of modern Russia and Eastern Europe