The History of the Baltic States

by Kevin O'Connor, John E. Findling (Editor), Frank W. Thackeray (Editor)

The Baltic states―Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania―are nestled in northeastern Europe, where they lie at a crossroad of European culture. This is the most recent and up-to-date narrative history of the Baltic states, providing readers with an ideal starting point for research on the area. It includes a timeline of major events, biographic sketches of noteworthy historical figures, a glossary, and a bibliographic essay. \ollectively, the Balkan states have been both a transmitter of culture and a victim of larger, more powerful nations' aspirations. Their ethnically and religiously diverse natives continue to struggle with the question of identity, yet the Balts have had relatively peaceful relations with each other for some 600 years. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the Baltic states returned to Europe and seem intent on preserving the spirit of cooperation and solidarity that emerged during their struggle for independence more than a decade ago. This is the most recent and up-to-date narrative history of the Baltic states, providing readers with an ideal starting point for research on the area. It includes a timeline of major events, biographic sketches of noteworthy historical figures, a glossary, and a bibliographic essay. The Baltic states' survival and recovery during the late Soviet and early post-Soviet era is an inspiring and fascinating tale. This concise history takes readers from the ice ages through the Cold War, telling the tale of these small but important countries and their role in the history of Europe.

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Writes about the Baltic states / Eastern Europe.

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a book on the Baltics to read before a trip there; the first book I tried was too anecdotal (and didn’t touch at all on Lithuania), and the second too cerebral. This one was just right - touches all aspects of history and culture, and goes up to the mid 2010’s (includes discussion of Putin). Recommend for a good overview.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked out this and A Concise History of the Baltic States by Plakans in preparation for a trip to the Baltic states. I read a few sentences of each, and this one seemed less pompous so I went with it. It was informative (at least for some who knows next to nothing about these countries) but pretty dry. There were no particular personalities that he focused on, so nothing really came alive; but on the other hand he didn't get bogged down in the details of any one period, so the book moved along easily. Now I'm going to check out A Concise History to see if it offers more interesting details.

Follow-up note: A Concise History was more painful to read but also far more informative. I feel like I shouldn't have even bothered reading this one.

[ShuT · Rating 4 out of 5]

learned more about the history of the Baltic Countries.
Poor pelple.
Lack of the knowledge of the World War II, the Russian people did to the innocent Baltic people.
How sad it is.

[Hqwxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

关于从苏联独立出来的部分太简略了。不过看这些基本没机会了解的国家历史，还是很有趣。