The Balkans: From Constantinople to Communism
Hupchick (history, Wilkes Univ.; Conflict and Chaos in Eastern Europe) offers a comprehensive introductory survey of the history of the Balkans in its entirety. He follows the traditions of the great historians of the region, such as Charles and Barbara Jelavich (The Establishment of the Balkan National States) and fills the gap left by so many books from the past decade by offering a historically impartial overview of the region (not just of the former Yugoslavia but also of Greece, Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria). Moreover, Hupchick does not focus solely on nationalism, an interpretation that overwhelms present scholarship. He also outlines all the events that have profoundly shaped the Balkans, starting with the rise of Byzantium and ending with the fall of communism. Although this work will serve as a solid reference for specialists, it successfully targets nonspecialists and students wishing to acquaint themselves with the rich cultural traditions left by the three major civilizations that collided in this region: Islamic, Western Christian, and Eastern Orthodox. Recommended for all academic and large public libraries. Natasa Musa, New YorkCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.