Stephen the Great and Balkan Nationalism: Moldova and Eastern European History (International Library of Historical Studies) By texasbeerguide.com
Good introduction to the key figure of Moldovan nationalism, Stefan cel Mare. Not a lot of prior knowledge required to get to grips with the material as it isn't a standard history looking at all the usual political, economic, geographical contexts. The book self consciously limits itself to ethno symbolism, a concept I'd not encountered before looking at the artefacts of the construction of ethnic consciousness. While this is interesting, Eagles does bang on and on about it as if was being paid each time he mentioned the word. The idea isn't complicated so it doesn't need to be explained anew every chapter. It's as if Eagles feels he has to justify what he's about every few pages. The book would be a fair bit shorter if the editing in this respect had been sharper. It's not very long anyway as a quarter is taken up with footnotes and bibliography. Eagles is clearly very thorough so you feel in authoritative hands. There's certainly plenty for the specialist to chase up. Thought provoking on nature of self conscious construction of nationalism in newly formed countries, which is interesting to compare to the organic nature of the phenomenon in historically stable polities such as England. We can be less strident and less touchy as we have not had to define ourselves against overwhelming neighbours. Indeed the Welsh and Scots may claim England culturally played/plays a similar role to USSR/Russia relative to Moldova, though hopefully they would admit in a less malign way! Studies such as this have helped me understand about a country and people that have given me so much. I recommend this highly for anyone interested in Moldova, Romania, breakup of the USSR or nationalism. Money and time well spent. 288 pages
The defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans in 1475 at the Battle of Vaslui heralded the beginnings of a historic legacy. The victor became known as Stephen the Great or Athleta Christi, Champion of Christ. Perceived as the founder of a Balkan identity, Stephen the Great maintained Moldova's independence during periods of fierce Ottoman attack between 1457 and 1504. His Christian religious stance meant that, in the eyes of Europe, he had not only defeated a significant territorial threat but had elevated Christianity to a superior level as victors over its Muslim opponents. Here, Jonathan Eagles seeks to unveil the mechanisms behind this legacy, reviewing the state formations that allowed this national hero to emerge, and explaining the methods that preserve his memory in the region today. By combining the latest historical studies of the anti Ottoman resistance with new archaeological findings, Stephen the Great and Balkan Nationalism engages with a fresh approach to the history of the Balkans, and reinvigorates the study of the Ottoman Empire's impact in Europe. This is an important book for those with an interest in medieval history, Balkan history and the Ottomans. Stephen the Great and Balkan Nationalism: Moldova and Eastern European History (International Library of Historical Studies)