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Review
'This is a profound and important book, essential reading for those who wish to understand either the complex history or the present politics of Yugoslavia.' Hugh Trevor-Roper, Sunday Telegraph; 'A dreadnought of a book, all big guns, covering the whole history of Kosovo, with an authority that is often breathtaking and never oppressive.' Norman Stone, Sunday Times
Product Description
From the author of the critically acclaimed Bosnia: A Short History comes a 'magisterial work of history' TLS
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 13 people found the following review helpful
The material in this book has been well researched and interprets the sources with authority. This region has had a very complicated and a very long history, with different peoples interpreting the history in different ways. This books tries to establish the truth, and the truth is fascinating. It is a must for anyone wishing to get an insight into this region
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
This was published in 1998 prior to the descent into conflict that separated Kosov from the remnants of Yugoslavia. If this book had been read and understood the conflict might well have been avoided.
Unlike the history of the west where history appears to have a direction, with countries becoming freer and more prosperous over the centuries- as in the Whig interpretation of English history- Kosovo seems to have spent most of its history buffeted bewteen far more powerful entities.
Both Serbs and Albanians have perceived identies in which they are the permanent victims of a more powerful enemy. In reality both sides have been both oppressors and oppressees at different junctures.
The demographic myths of the Serbs have been particularly destructive in the last hundred years, the idea that Kosovo was the core of Serbia until the Albanians in conjuction with the Ottomans ethnically cleansed them has been pernicious and used to justify the mistreatment of the Albanians. As Malcolm shows both communities have lived in the province for centuries and their relative proportions have changed to and fro over the years.
In short this is a very informative study that illuminates much of the difficult situation.
Unlike the history of the west where history appears to have a direction, with countries becoming freer and more prosperous over the centuries- as in the Whig interpretation of English history- Kosovo seems to have spent most of its history buffeted bewteen far more powerful entities.
Both Serbs and Albanians have perceived identies in which they are the permanent victims of a more powerful enemy. In reality both sides have been both oppressors and oppressees at different junctures.
The demographic myths of the Serbs have been particularly destructive in the last hundred years, the idea that Kosovo was the core of Serbia until the Albanians in conjuction with the Ottomans ethnically cleansed them has been pernicious and used to justify the mistreatment of the Albanians. As Malcolm shows both communities have lived in the province for centuries and their relative proportions have changed to and fro over the years.
In short this is a very informative study that illuminates much of the difficult situation.
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful
I first made use of this book as an MA student with a highly-developed fascination with the former Yugoslavia. I found it, and Noel Malcolm's volume on Bosnia, invaluable.
Of particular note is the chapter exploring the (in)famous 1389 Battle of Kosovo Polje - Malcolm does a superb job in deconstructing the myths that have grown up around said battle (why did this particular battle become so important to the cause of Serbian nationalism?) and trying to get at the truth behind them.
My one concern with this book is why Malcolm thought to use the sub-title 'A Short History'; at over 500 pages, it's anything but!
Of particular note is the chapter exploring the (in)famous 1389 Battle of Kosovo Polje - Malcolm does a superb job in deconstructing the myths that have grown up around said battle (why did this particular battle become so important to the cause of Serbian nationalism?) and trying to get at the truth behind them.
My one concern with this book is why Malcolm thought to use the sub-title 'A Short History'; at over 500 pages, it's anything but!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
KOSOVO: A short history
This Malcolm's book is even better then one on Bosnia as it offers more information and greater research. Read more
Published on 6 April 2010 by Mr. Eldin Basic
Excellent review of the history of the region
It is hard to find a book about Kosovo, without the writer taking sides. Especially when considering that the Balkan history was rewritten many times. Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2007 by Rob Smith
on-sided and incomplete account
The contents of the book does not correspond with the title. Malcolm looks at Kosovo's history from an almost exclusively Albanian perspective, and fails to include the positions... Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2006 by Rjm Theunens
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