Former New York Times reporter Szulc chronicles the sweep of global events and social transformations since the end of WW II, showing how they relate back to the war and how they have led unexpectedly to the most astonishing development of all: the erosion of Marxism-Leninism and the outbreak of "Democracy Fever" worldwide. In this intensely absorbing narrative, the author, who reported on many of the milestones of the last 50 years, covers much ground in great detail: the Indochina wars, the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, the Solidarity movement and recent upheavals in Eastern Europe. He presents his eyewitness observations and sharp insights in a unified chronicle that covers not only ideological struggles but trends in technology, medicine, literature and art. Szulc opines that the period under discussion encompasses "transformations more overwhelming, dramatic, and enriching" than any other. The book richly supports his view. -- Publishers Weekly