The Man Who Tried to Save the World: The Dangerous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of an American Hero

A great work of non-fiction that is part adventure in Chechnya and part biography of Fred Cuny, the "Master of Disaster". I first encountered Anderson in an article that appeared in Harper's in 1997 and have been on the lookout for this book ever since. Aside from a truly compelling story (Fred Cuny was, no doubt, larger than life), Anderson brings considerable writing skills to this book. He joins a handful of others (William Langewiesche, Robert D. Kaplan) who have that rare ability to inform the reader in an engaging style no matter what the subject is.This is not just a biography of Cuny. It is a story of the tragedy in Chechnya as well. Anderson informs on both counts without pushing a particular agenda. What is amazing is that he does this in spite of the fact that begins the book by confessing that he believes Cuny is a genuine hero. Yet he leaves the reader to form their own judgment on this and other aspects of the story.Some have complained that the book is repetitive near the end (it seems as though the book were actually written to be serialized in five or six long magazine pieces, which would explain the repetition). The bottom line here is that the repetition that I noticed was either helpful and/or satisfying from a literary standpoint.Aside from the author's great writing, you should read this book as a responsible citizen of the world and member of the human race. Fred Cuny may not have been Mother Theresa when it came to his ego, but his heart was definitely in the right place, and that big Texas personality got things done that, as Anderson and others have pointed out, saved lives.

Anderson's book is two great tales in one: a brief history of the Chechnyan conflict; and the amazing life of Fred Cuny.Writing this review right after the conclusion of the recent Chechen-led, mass-hostage-taking in Moscow, I have come to fully appreciate the continued relevance of Scott Anderson's great piece of journalism. Chechnya was, in Fred Cuny's words, the "scariest place I've ever seen." [Read about this guy's incredible life and you'll understand the magnitude of that statement.]The book is filled with many tales of the desperation, fighting power, guile and pluck of the Chechnyan people. In short, it's no surprise to me (and certainly not to Scott Anderson, I bet) that despite Vladimir Putin's assiduous efforts, the terror has made its way to Moscow.If you think one life can't make a difference, then you don't know about Fred Cuny. What he did in Sarajevo during the Bosian conflict will blow your mind.

I read this book several years ago and remember only a few things clearly. First, I gained a real appreciation for the degree to which Western governments leave their citizens in relative peace. Second, the story of Grozny was absolutely horrifying. And third, the author has done a wonderful job of finding a story to tell, and telling it well.Kudos to Mr. Anderson for bringing this (well, the parts that are knowable) into the open.

One of the most fascinating books I've read and one of the most inspirational. The story of a true iconoclast. It gives you a view of the NGO world that most people never see and even less ever talk about.

I worked with Fred Cuny during DESERT STORM in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He was enormously competent in formulating effective solutions to complex problems in a collegial manner. Fred was totally dedicated to helping people deal with stresses of humanitarian crises. He was very friendly and worked well with the military and humanitarian relief agencies. The world lost a consummate humanitarian. I miss his friendship and kindness to people in need.George Padar COL USAR(Ret)

I found the story of Fred Cuny intriguing. I have read other reviews to say this story builds upon various conspiracy theories that overpowers the story. I didn't find that to be the case at all. I hope it gives the reader an insight into what it was like to live in Chechnya. I recommend this book.

Received in good condition and enjoyed the book.

Great read!

Exceptional journalism, reads like a thriller, wonderful read and factually so informative about a great individual and a war and a country I knew little or nothing about previously. Congratulations Scott Anderson! Will definitely be looking out for any of your books in future

As engaging as a novel! A very excellent piece of work