Yalta

The Price of Peace

By: S. M. Plokhy

Narrated by: Henry Strozier

Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning Harvard historian S. M. Plokhy delivers a “convincing revisionist analysis” (Publishers Weekly) of the February 1945 Yalta conference. Bolstered by Soviet wiretaps, Plokhy’s engrossing narrative of Stalin, Churchill, and FDR’s negotiations reveals the West did better than previously thought.

©2010 Serhii Plokhy (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Revisiting the much-studied Yalta conference of February 1945, historian Plokhy capitalizes on his advantage over prior authors. He had better access to Russian archives, which permits him to vibrantly re-create the summit’s physical surroundings, interpersonal relations, and diplomatic fencing. Because dueling interpretations of Yalta’s protocols contributed significantly to the onset of the cold war, Plokhy’s fundamental thesis questions whether Yalta’s agreements were the best Churchill and Roosevelt could have wrung from Stalin....Within the framework of the tense negotiations that ensued, Plokhy brings forth the daily dynamics of Yalta and embroiders them with items behind subsequent recrimination about the conference results, such as FDR’s ill health and the presence of probable Soviet spy Alger Hiss. Releasing the subject from cold war historiography, Plokhy establishes a new standard on Yalta and its controversies." ( Booklist)

The depth and breadth of understanding

Poignant, detailed and written in a manner that is easy to understand despite the complexity of the material. A wonderful, historical work that provides the reader with a greater understanding of the geopolitical environment of the time.

Absolutely Fantastic!

A well developed and incisive study of the conference as well as the prevailing historiography. An important part of our understanding of international relations, especially today.

The kings of the earth

What made the experience of listening to Yalta the most enjoyable?

This audio book brings dry historical facts to life because it is well narrated

What did you like best about this story?

I particularly enjoyed the interplay between personalities and the personal stories

What does Henry Strozier bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have been interested in reading this book since I heard it was published but the size was daunting. The audio book format allowed me to listen on the way to and from work and on longer trips and it makes the time pass effortlessly.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The discussions and events regarding Poland where of particular interest since my father was polish and fought with General Anders in the final months of the war in Italy.

For the hard core history bug

I had a hard time paying attention during several sections of this book. A lot of detail, sometimes hard to keep track of all the names and events. Very slow reader, had to speed up replay. Supposed to be full of new information, but I was a little concerned when the author said that FDR's plane was protected by a fleet of jet fighters.

Highly Informative

Would definitely recommend. Author really put you at the negotiating table. Gives great background on all the players and why they made key decisions. Dispels a lot of myths about the history of Yalta a superb read.

boring gossip.

either the subject of the conference at Yalta is too small for a devoted book-length treatment, or the author is too small for the triumvirate of giants in attendance. there are many descriptive passages that are beautifully written, and many pleasing anecdotes.