Politics and Society in Soviet Ukraine, 1953–1980 is perhaps the most authoritative English-language work on this period yet to appear. Based on meticulous study and analysis of Soviet sources, particularly the Soviet press, it encompasses Soviet Ukraine from the death of Stalin to Shcherbytsky's rule as first party secretary. A final chapter on society examines economic aspects, religion and religious movements in Ukraine, and the Russification of Ukrainian society fostered by the Soviet regime.

The author of numerous books and scholarly articles, Borys Lewytzkyj (1915–84) was a prominent authority on Soviet affairs. Born in Vienna he became well known as a publicist and journalist serving as editor in chief of the newspaper Nove selo (1936–1939) in Lviv. During the Second World War, he was active in the Ukrainian Democratic Revolutionary Party (UDRP), led by Ivan Mitringa, which took part in the resistance movement against the German occupants.