Mikhail Gorbachev (annotated ed)

This series profiles the distinctive individuals who through their talent, skills, intellect or charisma have made an impact on their times and influenced generations thereafter.

These individuals have influenced the course of history, often for the better, sometimes for the worse.

Each volume profiles a significant figure and presents a variety of essays that focus on that person's major contributions or notorious deeds and their place in history. 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.