Nuclear Folly

By Serhii Plokhy,

Book cover of Nuclear Folly: A New History of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Book description

*Shortlisted for the Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History*

'An enthralling account of a pivotal moment in modern history. . . replete with startling revelations about the deception and mutual suspicion that brought the US and Soviet Union to the brink of Armageddon in October 1962' Martin Chilton, Independent…

Explore
Topics
Genres
When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep the lights on. Or join the rebellion as a member.

Why read it?

1 author picked Nuclear Folly as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Mike Hulme Author Of Nuclear Folly: A New History of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Mike Hulme
Author

We all know the story of the Cuban missile crisis, right? Wrong!

You have to read Plokhy’s powerful narrative of the events in October 1962 before you can understand how and why the drama unfolded. 

Plokhy tells it from the Soviets’ perspective, accessing rarely-seen KGB documents and participant interviews.  This story is at once political drama, military strategy, Cold War espionage, and a lesson in contrasting leadership styles – Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro – and Plokhy brilliantly captures the tension and high-stakes decision-making.

I was two years old when these events shook the world, but having finished the book, I…

From Mike's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Want books like Nuclear Folly?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Nuclear Folly.

Book cover of Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis Book cover of The Soviet Cuban Missile Crisis: Castro, Mikoyan, Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Missiles of November Book cover of Countdown to 13 Days and Beyond: U.S. Marine Aerial Reconnaissance Operations Against Castor’s Cuba 1960-1990 Book cover of DEFCON-2: Standing on the Brink of Nuclear War During the Cuban Missile Crisis Book cover of Eyeball to Eyeball: The Inside Story of the Cuban Missile Crisis Book cover of The Silent Guns of Two Octobers: Kennedy and Khrushchev Play the Double Game

Browse books like Nuclear Folly

Book cover of Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Book cover of The Soviet Cuban Missile Crisis: Castro, Mikoyan, Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Missiles of November
Book cover of Countdown to 13 Days and Beyond: U.S. Marine Aerial Reconnaissance Operations Against Castor’s Cuba 1960-1990

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,098

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Share my 3 favs

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Soviet Union, and international relations?

The Cuban Missile Crisis 22 books
The Soviet Union 378 books
International Relations 286 books