The Works Of Leonid Brezhnev.

[CtahhR]

Surprisingly there hasn't been a thread dedicated to the works of Brezhnev (or at least work attributed to him).

The "trilogy" is a fun read that is of course full of bias and has to be read with a pinch of salt but each book is an enjoyable short read suitable for wasting some time whilst waiting for a flight or the such.

The three books are "Little Land", "Rebirth" and "The Virgin Lands". They have been published individually, compiled and under different titles but they are always available cheaply and in many languages.

First we have "Trilogy". Printed in English in the Soviet Union by Progress Publishers in 1980. A 400 page paperback that originally retailed for $1.50 in the US. Usually available for less today. A good choice for someone with an interest.

[CtahhR]

Here is the first English edition of "The Virgin Lands". Printed by Progress Publishers in Moscow in 1978. Just under 200 pages, hardback and originally costing 60 Kopeks.

The set of glossy black and white pictures in the photograph section in the back are strangely small, leaving most of the pages blank and the pictures of Brezhnev are heavily airbrushed.

[CtahhR]

This pair of first print Latvian language books "Mazā Zeme" and "Atdzimšana" (Little Land and Rebirth) both come in at under 100 pages. Printed by "Liesma" in Riga and originally costing 15 Kopeks each.

The only picture in either is of the author.

[CtahhR]

"How It Was" was a compilation of the first two books (Little Land and Rebirth). First published by the Pergamon Press in Great Britain in 1979 and printed at the Aberdeen University Press. Hardback and just under 120 pages. The quality is higher but the glossy black and white images are still obviously airbrushed.

[CtahhR]

Peace, Détente And Soviet-American Relations is a compilation of public statements made by Brezhnev. First published by the Novosti Press Agency Publishing House in 1979 and printed in the USA. This hardback comes in at just under 240 pages and originally cost $12.95. The book compiles statements 1973 to 1978 and even includes a two and a half page "To my American reader" introduction by Brezhnev himself dated July 1978. Unsurprisingly no pictures but a good record of Brezhnev period international relationship from the Soviet perspective.

[CtahhR]

On The Policy Of The Soviet Union And The International Situation.

Published by Doubleday And Company of Garden City New York in 1973. This hardback 260 some page book is a great insight into the Soviet perspective on the role of the Soviet Union, especially in relationship to the war in Vietnam. There is a selection of 15 black and white photographs to enjoy.