INSCRIBED BY MIKHAIL GORBACHEV

GORBACHEV, Mikhail. Zhizn' i Reformy ["Life and Reforms']. (Moscow: Novosti, 1995). Octavo, original burgundy paper boards, original dust jacket; housed in a custom clamshell box. $2800.

First edition of the first volume of Gorbachev's memoirs, inscribed in the year of publication in Cyrillic: "Respected Yakov Samoylovich! Best wishes from the author, M. Gorbachev, 1 XI 95." Text in Russian.

This is the first volume, in Russian, of the memoirs of Mikhail Gorbachev, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985-1991 and Executive President of the Soviet Union from 1988-1991. "Gorbachev, one of the most pivotal leaders of the 20th century, helped bring an end to the Cold War while introducing revolutionary freedoms and reform to the oppressive system he inherited. Mr. Gorbachev dedicated himself to rebuilding the volatile relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States, easing nearly 50 years of fears that the two nations would fight a devastating nuclear war. As a result of his extraordinary achievements, he was the recipient of the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize" (New York Historical Society).

Inner paper hinges expertly reinforced, dust jacket with a bit of wear mainly to extremities. A near-fine inscribed copy.