#787495 in eBooks 2006-09-07 2006-09-07File Name: B000SRGFS6
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Casting Light on a Complicated SubjectBy Michael SamerdykeThis was a very interesting book that made me rethink what I know about Russian history.Plokhy's subject is the development of national identity; and he makes many good points about the development of Russian and Ukrainian national identity; revealing it to be a much longer; much more complicated process than I had realized.A strong feature of this book is the importance of religion in determining identity; showing that even the Reformation and Counter-Reformation had an impact in Eastern Europe.This is not a book for beginners in the subject; but anyone with a serious interest in the history of Eastern Europe should read this book. Highly recommended.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great historical researchBy Orest BalytskyGreat for anybody interested in serious detailed work on the history of eastern Slavs. Supported by lots of research.OB15 of 18 people found the following review helpful. A current understanding of Putin's Imperialist viewpoint.By Peter J. PiaseckyjI have been reading the History of Eurasia and Central/Eastern Europe for the last 60 years. I have to say that when reading the history of Eastern Europe; it is very difficult to follow the history of any one nation in a linear fashion.This is the best book written on this topic by any historian and believe me I think I have read most of them.The first problem are the histories written by the victors and then histories written by the defeated.Second there is the problem of countries popping up and then disappearing and then popping up and so forth ad nauseum.Third is the problem of multi-national empires.Fourth there are Nations without political borders or a National ruling elite.Fifth the National Elites change their national allegiances.Ultimately we have the book written by Prof. Plokhy and finally all is clear!
