by Piotr S. Wandycz

This comparative regional history of East Central Europe traces the turbulent history of Poland, Bohemia and Hungary from their medieval origins to the post-Communist present. Each chapter focuses on a particular theme, raising questions and discussing existing controversies. The author explores such themes as the tension between the industrial urbanizing West and agrarian East Central Europe, problems of interrupted statehood, the rise of modern nationalism, democracy and authoritarianism and Communism. Contemporary events in the region, the author argues, only become intelligible when viewed in their historical context. The author of this college level work is Piotr S. Wandycz, Professor of History at Yale University.