Ukrainians: Unexpected Nation FROM THE PUBLISHER
As in many postcommunist states, politics in Ukraine revolves around the issue of national identity. Ukrainian nationalists see themselves as one of the world's oldest and most civilized peoples, as "older brothers" to the younger Russian culture. Yet Ukraine became independent only in 1991, and Ukrainians often feel like a minority in their own country, where Russian is still the main language heard on the streets of the capital, Kiev. This book is a comprehensive guide to modern Ukraine and to the versions of its past propagated by both Russians and Ukrainians. Andrew Wilson provides the most acute, informed, and up-to-date account available of the Ukrainians and their country.
Concentrating on the complex relation between Ukraine and Russia, the book begins with the myth of common origin in the early medieval era, then looks closely at the Ukrainian experience under the tsars and Soviets, the experience of minorities in the country, and the path to independence in 1991. Wilson also considers the history of Ukraine since 1991 and the continuing disputes over identity, culture, and religion. He examines the economic collapse under the first president, Leonid Kravchuk, and the attempts at recovery under his successor, Leonid Kuchma. Wilson explores the conflicts in Ukrainian society between the country's Eurasian roots and its Western aspirations, as well as the significance of the presidential election of November 1999.
About the Author:
Andrew Wilson is lecturer in Ukrainian studies at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College, London.
SYNOPSIS
This book is the most acute, informed, and up-to-date account of Ukraine and its people available today. Andrew Wilson focuses on the complex relations between Ukraine and Russia and explains the different versions of the past propagated by Ukrainians and Russians. He also examines the continuing debates over identity, culture, and religion in Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
FROM THE CRITICS
Virginia Quarterly Review
In this excellent guide, Wilson charts the history of Ukrainian nationalism over the centuries and examines the ways in which Ukrainians have understood their culture, myths, history, and politics as specifically Ukrainian. Wilson has succeeded admirably in providing a detailed and judicious study of the current ideas that make up Ukrainian national identity.
Anna Reid - Literary Review
A lively, detailed, and eminently sensible exploration of who the Ukrainians are and why they are important ... required reading for anyone with a serious interest in Eastern Europe.
In this excellent guide,Wilson charts the history of Ukrainian nationalism over the centuries and examines the ways in which Ukrainians have understood their culture,myths,history,and politics as specifically Ukrainian. Wilson has succeeded admirably in providing a detailed and judicious study of the current ideas that make up Ukrainian national identity.
Choice
A fresh,objective look at Ukrainian identity,which explores the many past and present possibilities that continue to confront this ﾽunexpected nationﾽ.
Anna Reid - Literary Review
A lively,detailed,and eminently sensible exploration of who the Ukrainians are and why they are important . . . required reading for anyone with a serious interest in Eastern Europe.Read all 8 "From The Critics" >
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