Mikhail Gorbachev

by Tom Head

When Mikhail Gorbachev took office as Soviet general secretary in 1985, he began a six-year reform that would open up the Soviet government to criticism, resolve the Cold War, and eventually allow the liberation of the Soviet republics and the dissolution of the USSR. Authors in this volume discuss Gorbachev's life (including his upbringing and early political career), his work as leader of the Soviet Union, and his legacy.

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Author of It's Your World So Change It (Que/Pearson), Civil Liberties A Beginner's Guide (Oneworld UK), and 22 other nonfiction books on a wide range of topics; About.com guide to civil liberties.