Two of my favorite books about the Cold War are THE COLD WAR: A MILITARY HISTORY and THE COLD WAR: A HISTORY by Martin Walker. Since my Military History book is in storage right now I am only going to plug Walker's book. Granted, there are certain things in Walker's book I disagree with I have to say that this particular book provides an excellent time line of events from the beginning of the Cold War (actually, it covers a number of events proceeding the Cold War and some events after it) that can provide a complete novice to the subject with a clear overview of the events that occurred during the 20th century or, more accurately, defined the 20th Century. As the Cold War drifts further and further in history books such as this become more and more important. It is well worth purchasing.