The August Coup by Robert Service review – the drink soaked collapse of the Soviet Union The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of a 74 year reign of Marxist Leninist rule in Russia.
In his new book, "The August Coup," historian Robert Service offers a detailed and engaging account of this pivotal period. One of the most striking aspects of the Soviet collapse is its speed.
The coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, led by KGB boss Vladimir Kryuchkov, lasted just three days before it fizzled out.