The Man Who Tried to Save the World: The Dangerous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Fred Cuny Paperback – Illustrated, 16 May 2000

One of the best books I have read in a long while. Both areas (Chechnya and the disappearance) are of great interest to me, but I approached the book with caution thinking it would be padded out. However, it held my attention all the way through. The author has done a great job here.

Arrived early and in perfect condition. Very pleased overall.

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

I inadvertently ran into this book years ago. This book and one other book, that I read the same year, both catapulted me into a new appreciation of the ((( very few ))) heros that our paltry human race actually managed to produce in our times I can't say that I recall how good the writing was, but it must have been very good. What I do remember is the man the book was written about ... a man "no one has ever heard of," as they say - Fred Cuny. A cantankerous, suspect, secretive, bold and courageous genius of a man, who feared little. I also can't define exactly what it was that stunned me so much about his story. It must have been some sort of deep and complex impression - that still affects me. I've read thousands of books in my 72 years, and this book - and the other book I mentioned above - are the 2 that changed my life the most.

Excelente biografia de uma pessoa complexa e, por vezes, contraditória. Ajuda a entender a história contemporânea e as questões políticas atuais.

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 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 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.