BOOKS: HISTORY - CROATIA THROUGH HISTORY
by Vivian Grisogono (reviewer)
Author: Branka Magas Publisher: Saqi, London, San Francisco, Beirut, 2007 Pages: 743 ISBN: 978-0-86356-775-9 This is without doubt the most comprehensive account to date of Croatia’s progress through history, detailing its emergence from Roman rule as a medieval kingdom in the 8th century CE, through its various permutations, tribulations and occupations into its present-day form, established in 1990, as the independent Republic of Croatia. The size and scope of the book are daunting, but its impressive scholarship is presented in a compelling and readable narrative, enhanced by fine illustrations. A wealth of carefully researched detail provides a well-balanced overview of Croatia’s development, giving a vivid picture of the people, their social, cultural and political mores, the events which shaped their history, and the political backdrop in the wider world which dictated so much of the play. Branka Magas is not only a well-respected writer and commentator on Croatia and the Balkans, but also an activist. It is to her credit as a historian that she does not get bogged down in the political polemics which mar so many books about this troubled region. Her book is a magnificent achievement from every point of view, and will certainly be the standard work on Croatia for the foreseeable future. Click here to read or post comments.
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