U.C. Professor’s Rags To Riches Story, From Russia to the Golden Gate
Crises and Compassion: From Russia to the Golden Gate (Footprints Series)
Bay Area and Berkeley’s own John M. Letiche started life as Ianik
Letichevsky, a citizen of the newly constituted Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics. The son of a brilliant but dictatorial father and a
loving, cultivated mother, he went on to a remarkable career as an
accomplished scholar, professor of economics, and adviser to
governments.
Letiche, now in his nineties, provides an intriguing look at the changes that have occurred during his lifetime.
Amazon reviews (5 reviews – 5 *****)
By clairevdd
Dr. Letiche provides adventure and thorough analysis of the time in
which he lived. His early years in Russia and then in Canada are
fascinating for a view of how people were coping with uncertainty and
instability in the world. One is drawn into the thinking of a very
sensitive child who shows wisdom beyond his years. Of course, the fact
that he ended up teaching Economics at UC Berkeley during the sixties
makes him seem one of us westerners. He brings a great sense of balance
in his evaluation of many African heads of state during a grueling,
sometimes dangerous working tour of the country. He showed insight and
balance in his analysis of the behavior of the Chancellor of the
University during the turbulence of the Free Speech Movement. Guns in
Africa, tear gas in Berkeley; there is plenty of action.Dr.
Letiche shows generosity of spirit in revealing his personal foibles
and skillfully emphasizes the traits that form his own philosophy. What
better way to get to know this extraordinary man, other than knocking on
his door and having a good listen in conversation with him.
***** 5 stars 2 of 2
Comment by Jeremy Kinsman
By JML
“Dr. Jack Letiche’s twentieth century journey instructs, entertains,
and inspires the reader who will finish the book better off on any
account, but above all for the time spent with the life and mind of a
great thinker and global citizen.”
Jeremy
Kinsman, Canadian Ambassador or High Commissioner in Moscow, Rome,
London, and Brussels, and Regents’ Lecturer 2009-10, University of
California, Berkeley
