The Year that Changed the World: The Untold Story Behind the Fall of the Berlin Wall

by Michael Meyer

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Book Overview: The Year that Changed the World: The Untold Story Behind the Fall of the Berlin Wall

A riveting eyewitness account of the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War from the Newsweek Bureau Chief in that region at the time.

Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, many still believe it was the words of President Ronald Regan, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” that brought the Cold War to an end. Michael Meyer disagrees and, in this extraordinarily compelling account, explains why.

Drawing together breathtakingly vivid, on-the-ground accounts of the rise of Solidarity in Poland, the stealth opening of the Hungarian border, the Velvet Revolution in Prague, and the collapse of the infamous wall in Berlin, Meyer shows how American intransigence contributed little to achieving such world-shaking change. In his reporting from the frontlines of the revolution in Eastern Europe between 1988 and 1992, he interviewed a wide range of local leaders, including Václav Havel and Lech Walesa. Meyer’s descriptions of the way their brave stands were decisive in bringing democracy to Eastern Europe provide a crucial refutation of a misunderstanding of history that has been deliberately employed to help push the United States into the intractable conflicts it faces today.

ISBN-13	9781416558484
ISBN-10	1416558489
Publisher	Scribner
Publication Date	2012-04-07
Edition	Reprint
Language	en
Pages	272
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“The twentieth century ended with a bang in 1989 and Michael Meyer has vividly captured the drama, import and energy of that fascinating year….This is a riveting, rollicking read with many surprises along the way.” — FAREED ZAKARIA, AUTHOR OF “THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD”

“I thoroughly enjoyed “The Year That Changed the World.” It is a gripping, colorful account of the rush of events that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet empire. It is also a convincing reappraisal of where credit lies and what lessons should be drawn for U.S. leadership.” — JAMES HOGE, “FOREIGN AFFAIRS”

“A coolheaded reconsideration of the revolutionary fervor that tore down the Iron Curtain in 1989…Meyer skillfully g rasps the crux of these events and ably conveys their remarkable significance. Meyer ‘liberates’ the record with sagacity, precision and remarkable clarity.” — “KIRKUS REVIEWS” (STARRED REVIEW)

About the Author

Michael Meyer

Michael Meyer is a widely celebrated author, best known for his impeccable ability to weave compelling narratives that capture diverse cultural experiences. His bilingual prowess coupled with an extensive academic background in Asian studies from the University of Pittsburg has significantly influenced his writing, predominantly focused on East Asian cultures and societies. With his profound interest and deep understanding of Asia, Meyer has cemented his reputation as one of the most authentic voices interpreting Asian culture and experience for a western audience.

Meyer’s writing portfolio comprises of several acclaimed works including “The Last Days of Old Beijing” and “In Manchuria: A Village Called Wasteland and the Transformation of Rural China.” These works vividly outline his experiences living in China and his keen observations on the rapid changes the country is undergoing. It is this intimate exploration, gentle humor, and candid commentary on societal complexities that have endeared Meyer to his readers over the years.

His accomplishments and unique narrative style have seen him feature in The New York Times, TIME, and Wall Street Journal among others, marking his authority in contemporary literature. Renowned for his dedication to portraying Asian society’s intricate dynamics, Michael Meyer continues to inspire and educate through his eloquent and richly detailed writing.