From the position he held prior to Stalin's death, he seemed to be an unlikely leader. However, Khrushchev quickly gained control and popularity attaining the leadership status. Much of the support Khrushchev gained was due the agricultural success he initiated under Stalin and his condemnation of Stalin's brutal leadership after Stalin's death.

While Khrushchev achieved positive things for the Soviet Union, the economic, specifically agricultural failures he experienced as leader haunt his reputation. This book focuses on Khrushchev's those agricultural decisions with little mention being made of his foreign policy. His American visit is briefly mentioned, while the relationship between the Soviet Union and China is discussed at a slightly greater length.