The author, an eminent Yale historian, presents this history of the Cold War in a readable, concise style as a series of chapters, each addressing a significant theme. Emphasizing the influence of individuals on events, the author’s interpretation leans toward the orthodox view that Stalin bore responsibility for starting the Cold War. Intended as a panoramic view of the period from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the book is useful for placing in perspective the role of nuclear weapons in the global Cold War struggle. It shows how policy decisions in both the United States and the Soviet Union determined the production and deployment of those weapons.