Georgy Arkadyevich Arbatov (May 19, 1923, Kherson - October 1, 2010, Moscow) - Soviet and Russian scientist in the field of international relations, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, director of the Institute of the USA and Canada. The author shares his memories and thoughts about the period of our country's life between the death of Stalin and the beginning of perestroika. The author worked directly with some political leaders who are the heroes of the book.