YALTA, February 4-11, 1945 THE CHRONICLE OF EIGHT DAYS THAT SHAPED THE POST-WAR WORLD

During the last winter of World War II, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin met in Yalta, where after eight days of negotiations, arguments, and brief moments of warmth, they made decisions regarding the final stage of the war, the fate of occupied Germany, the charter of the United Nations, and the spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Greece.

The distinguished historian Diana Preston, after thorough research, vividly captures the chronicle of these days, alternating critiques of foreign policy with lively descriptions of the behind-the-scenes activities of politicians and diplomats, even the Soviet agents who were monitoring their guests.

The intense personalities, spicy details, and many different perspectives create a compelling presentation of the conference that decisively influenced the post-war order. Yalta held many secrets beyond the event itself. The individuals involved, their backstories, the balances—both external (military, political, diplomatic) and internal (psychological)—all formed an explosive mix.

As an event, in this very complex historical and cultural context, the Yalta Conference is pivotal and encapsulates the anxieties, desires, goals, dreams, fears, and syndromes of an entire era. This entire framework is masterfully articulated by Preston, both in terms of documentation and research, as well as storytelling.

From the foreword by Ilias Maglinitis: Preston is an expert on the subject… A brilliant study of an important milestone at the dawn of the Cold War. Kirkus Reviews. Exceptionally readable and detailed, it reveals all aspects of the events. Wall Street Journal.