In Confidence:: Moscow's Ambassador to America's Six Cold War Presidents

Dobrynin was the USSR's point man in the US through six presidents. His memoirs here include the Soviet reactions to many famous incidents, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the shootdown of Korean Air Lines flight 007. It is because he was in America so long, and privy to both American sentiment and Russian diplomatic policy and strategy that this is so vital for Cold War understanding.While it can seem a little self-serving in places, Dobrynin spent 30+ years less often in the USSR than here. He met 6 presidents and can discuss them with first hand knowledge of their style and also their reactions they caused in Moscow. His total access to both superpowers' most important policymakers gives him a unique perspective, and given so little of the top Soviet leaders' autobiographies (Krushchev being a strong exception), this is probably the best insider view the West will ever see. For that reason, this book MUST be included in any study of the Cold War from 1960-1991.

During Ambassador Dobrynin's long tenure in Washington, he managed to achieve an in depth understanding of American culture.That was extraordinary enough for someone who grew up in the Soviet Union. Further, he was able to obtain the respect of many influential Americans. He was invited to functions where he was the only non-American present.This book tells that story very well. The politics with the 6 Presidents and Soviet Secretaries is really interesting. But I think Mr. Dobrynin is far more interesting himself.

Dobrynin presents a view of the Cold War that is fascinating and informative. I'm surprised that this book is out of print; it's absolutely an essential read for anyone who is a scholar of the Cold War or is simply interested in learning about that era.