Journalist and author Christopher Shulgan talks to Joseph Planta about his new book, The Soviet Ambassador: The Making of the Radical Behind Perestroika (McClelland & Stewart, 2008) a fascinating account of the life Aleksandr Yakovlev, a man vital to the end of the Cold War, whose ideals were influenced by Canada and friends he made here.

The Soviet Ambassador: The Making of the Radical Behind Perestroika by Christopher Shulgan. (McClelland & Stewart, 2008) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Soviet Ambassador

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

The Soviet Ambassador is a terrific book that’s out now. Joining me now is its author Christopher Shulgan. It is a well written and fascinating account of the life of Aleksandr Yakovlev, who we learn played an important and vital role in the run up to the end of the Cold War. An advisor to Mikhail Gorbachev, he is considered the ‘architect of perestroika’ and the ‘godfather of glasnost.’ The book also highlights the role Canada played in shaping Yakovlev’s beliefs as well as how it helped form the friendship between him and Gorbachev.

Christopher Shulgan won a National Magazine Award last year. He contributes to the Globe and Mail and Maclean’s, and most recently was a writer-at-large at Toro. His website is www.shulgan.com. The Soviet Ambassador: The Making of the Radical Behind Perestroika is published by McClelland and Stewart and retails for $34.99. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Christopher Shulgan; Good morning, Mr. Shulgan.

Weblinks:

Christopher Shulgan website: http://www.shulgan.com

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