The Cold War made easy

The Cold War, by John Lewis Gaddis, Allen Lane, €29.20.

A couple of weeks ago, I found myself watching a 1960s James Bond film in the company of a reasonably bright 16-year-old. Having previously only been exposed to 007 in his Pierce Brosnan incarnation, the youngster was naturally impressed by Sean Connery’s superior grace and style.

‘‘There’s just one thing I didn’t get,” he said as the credits were rolling. ‘‘Why exactly was ...