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A new edition of the standard work on Slovakia's fascinating history This classic book offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date history of Slovakia, from its establishment on the Danubian Plain to the present. While paying tribute to Slovakia's resilience and struggle for survival, it describes: - Contributions to European civili-zation in the Middle Ages - Development of Slovak conscious-ness in response to Magyarization - Struggle for autonomy in Czechoslovakia after the Treaty of Versailles - Resistance to a Nazi-controlled Europe - Reac-tion to Communism - The creation of the second Slovak Republic.Now fully updated to the present day, the book examines the vagaries of Slovak post-Communist politics that led to Slovakia's membership in NATO and the European Union. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

selective historical nationalism
This book had a shocking and noticeable bias that can be summed up as nationalistic history.Although this is one of the few books on Slovak history, it was disturbing to read as the author sugar coated the Nazi collaboration under Josef Tiso in the Chapter "The Slovak Republic, 1939-1945", as if the goal of national self-determination justified his actions during this time period.

disappointing but could have been worse
Being curious about Central European history, I went ahead and read this book despite the mixed reviews on Amazon. After reading it, I do tend to agree with some of the reviewers and feel a bit disappointed. It being written by a non-historian does detract from its value. In addition, a troublesome aspect is that the book's underlying theme is the Slovaks' survival. In other words the ancestors of modern Slovaks were guided by striving toward achieving independence of "Slovakia / Slovensko" since the arrival of the Hungarians in the 10th century. This idea projects 19th century sensibilities of national identity or nationalism onto the early Middle Ages. As Kirschbaum's specialty is politics, this supposed book of Slovak history works on trying to relate past political events to Slovak nationalism and the creation of Slovakia.

In the end I found Kirschbaum's underlying messages of "pity the Slovaks" and "the Slovaks had to fight for their right to live from the beginning" (that dubious projection of 19th century sensibilities onto the distant past) to be tiresome after a while. For a supposed history book, his apologist's stance and whitewashing when discussing the Slovak puppet state in World War Two was also disappointing and a sign that his ancestry / national allegiance was affecting his analysis of historical events. He would have done better if he had followed the approach used by Ivo Goldstein in his book on Croatian history (Unlike Kirschbaum, Goldstein had no problem with describing and analyzing unsavory or less attractive events in his people's history. Then again, Goldstein is a historian whereas Kirschbaum is not).

I give two stars because it isn't a complete disaster but adjust your expectations when reading this one. It could have been much better if it had provided more comprehensive treatment of events on Slovak territory regardless of whether they suited Kirschbaum's pet theories / theses on Slovak nation-building.

Thick growth of trees, no forest
Over the last century or so, a large number of nations have become sovereign entities, recognized by others, members of the United Nations, with flag, airline, World Cup football team, and anthem.These range from Tuvalu and St. Lucia to Nigeria, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan. Everyone knows that there are others, equally deserving of such recognition, that don't achieve it.Kurdistan is a prime example; Tibet, Chechnya, Euskadi, and national states for Native Americans come to mind too.It is interesting to ponder on the historical currents or maybe even accidents that determine whether or not a nation comes into existence.Slovakia's history could serve as a prime example.Never really a nation on its own, the Slovak people endured a millennium of Hungarian rule, only---on coming close to national recognition---to be subsumed for another seven decades into Czechoslovakia, in which country they played perpetual second fiddle.This history could have been written around such a question---why some and not others ?It was not.

Nineteenth century nationalism may have led to the creation of many national states, particularly in Europe, it led to the demise of colonialism, but it has played a negative role in the world also.The "us against the world" mentality, atavistic tribalism, and xenophobia have all been encouraged and used by nationalistic forces.Nationalistic history thus can play either positive or negative roles .I would say that THE HISTORY OF SLOVAKIA is such a nationalistic book, though to be fair, a few attempts are made to show more balance.Granted, if you want to know the history of that small Central European country (people) in English, I think you will have to read Kirschbaum's name and date-studded work.But beware.By calling the book "history of Slovakia", the author may be `creating' an entity that never really existed until the late 19th century.

The history of the Great Moravian Empire of the 9th century is highly speculative---at such a remote distance in time, how can we be sure that it had anything to do with modern Slovaks ?Slavs, yes.It plays the role of that "original root" which every nation tends to find, whether it actually existed or not.Kirschbaum himself questions some of the Slovak historiography, for instance, a claim that Matthew Cak, in the 14th century, was a Slovak ruler or hero.Perhaps he was just another powerful Hungarian landlord.We read about the Slovak national awakening in the 19th century, the separation of the Slovak lands from Hungary and joining with Bohemia and Moravia to form the first Czechoslovak republic (to 1938), the subsequent re-amalgamation from 1948 to 1989, and the ultimate "Velvet Divorce" in 1993, after which Slovakia finally achieved nationhood.It is the section on the period 1939-1945, when Slovakia was a German puppet state in Central Europe, that seemed ambiguous and dubious.It is a whitewash of collaborators with the Nazis.The mantra is "The regime may not have been palatable to everybody, but it protected the country and provided the conditions for the expression of national aspirations."At the same time, over two-thirds of the Jewish citizens were exterminated.National aspirations indeed !"Slovaks proved that they were able to govern themselves." (p.211)A spurious claim as Slovakia lay under the German thumb.Slovaks never attacked anyone--just a `symbolic' two divisions sent into the Soviet Union along with the Wehrmacht.This is nationalistic history.It is written to "identify all the trees", but we don't see the forest.I'm sorry.I'd like to read a more balanced view.

A scholarly work
Being interested in the history of my people, I was happy that
someone undertook this subject.I can now appreciate even more
their struggles and happily their survival as a people despite
over 1,00O years of oppression by their neighbors.

Overview of Nation-building/ Survival in a Volatile Region
My desire to learn about this obscure Central European country over-rode my hesitancy ... a hesitancy which stemmed from potentially being over-whelmed with names, dates, and historical events of which I knew litte. Not being a historical buff yet wanting to learn, I forged ahead. Fortunately, the writing style of the author allayed my concerns with the first few chapters which set the pace for a comfortable reading experience.

Starting at the beginning, Greater Moravia was the region's name in the 900s (A.D) which was a vassal of the German Frankish empire. The Slavic nobles and people resented this relationship from which territorial disputes arose along with new winners. The area was called Pannonia under the Roman Empire. In 907 A.D. the Magyar tribes conquered the ruling German Franks. The Magyars settled in the region, having an intimate relationship with the Slovaks until the 20th century. Of note, the Slovaks maintained their Slavic language and culture despite this apparent and at times very real domination by another people. Under the Magyars, there was a form of autonomy allowing the separate culture to propigate. Numerous monarchs rose to power and forged political alliances adding to the volatility of the region. The future survival of both Hungary and Slovakia were placed constantly at risk. The author does a superb job of describing political decisions and alliances which affected the direction of the future -- which form the basis of current events. During the Middle Ages, various wars with the Germans and Mongolian invaders eventually brought the reigning Hungarian monarchs to the forefront of both countries. The Ottoman victory in Mohacs, Hungary in 1526 led to the partition of Hungary. Under conditions of this defeat, the Hapsburg monarchy with its absolutist policies, rose to rule over the Hungarians and Slovaks. Catholicism attempted to limit effects of the Reformation and its open ideas toward religion and education which spread despite opposition. While the Slovak political history mirrored that of the Hungarians, the differences in language and culture developed side by side rather peacefully for approximately 800 - 900 years. However, the revolutionary years of the late 1840s changed that. When the Magyars became more nationalistic, the Slovaks became marginalized which forced them to yearn for and develop a foundation for a country of their own. The book does a highly credible job in describing the creation of Czechoslovakia and the international milieu in which this major world event occured. The social, economic, and political policies of the 1930s and 1940s up until World War II are well discussed.The rise of Communism post World War II mimics that of the other defeated nations in Central and Eastern Europe. Kirschbaum states it best, "they became trapped in the bipolar struggle between the Western liberal democratic world and the eastern proletarian Communist one." [p.231] The defeat of Communism, from the ashes of which arose ... a separate country, called Slovakia... is one of the major success stories of modern times in Europe.

This book is highly recommended reading for anyone who has an interest in the politics of Central Europe and how struggles for domination affected the region. It would also be of interest to anyone who has roots and family ties to the area. The book is a well written scholarly document that includes a detailed and lengthy bibliography for each chapter. Anyone wanting to verify facts, delve deeper into the subject or pursue their own research is given a map to reach their destination. Erika Borsos (erikab93) ... Read more

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Notes for the English-language edition supplied by Dr. Michael Kopanic. Academic consulting by Martin Votruba, Albert Devine, Milan S. Durica, Frantisek Vnuk, Ivan Reguli, Charles Sabatos, Patrick Romane, John Karch, Adenko G. Alexy et alii. Associate Editing by Joseph J. Palus, Jr., Albert Devine, Patrick Romane and Richard Wood

Who are the Slovaks? What is the Slovak nation? Located in the heart of Europe, the Slovak Republic has emerged an independent and sovereign nation after centuries of struggle. The history of Slovak is part of the rich tapestry of the course of human events at the geographical and strategic crossroads of Europe. Yet, very little contemporary scholarship on Slovak history exists in English or is readily accessible to North American and Western European readers. This title thus fills an important gap in historiography about events throughout Central Europe over the last fourteen centuries. This title presents the history of Slovakia in terms of the latest scholarship and in context of on-going historical debate about Slovak history and its presentation in post-socialist world.

Also available:

The Slovak Republic: A Decade of Independence, 1993-2002 - ISBN 0865165688
Slovak History: Chronology and Lexicon - ISBN 0865164452

For over 30 years Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers has produced the highest quality Latin and ancient Greek books. From Dr. Seuss books in Latin to Plato's Apology, Bolchazy-Carducci's titles help readers learn about ancient Rome and Greece; the Latin and ancient Greek languages are alive and well with titles like Cicero's De Amicitia and Kaegi's Greek Grammar. We also feature a line of contemporary eastern European and WWII books.

Some of the areas we publish in include:

Selections From The Aeneid
Latin Grammar & Pronunciation
Greek Grammar & Pronunciation
Texts Supporting Wheelock's Latin
Classical author workbooks: Vergil, Ovid, Horace, Catullus, Cicero
Vocabulary Cards For AP Selections: Vergil, Ovid, Catullus, Horace
Greek Mythology
Greek Lexicon
Slovak Culture And History ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the course, diverse dimensions, junctures, and assessments of Slovak history
The publisher fulfills its aims of "giving the general English-speaking public a book that is inviting to read" while creating a work of Slovak history that "displays scholarly integrity" by a book which is copiously illustrated (over 300 illustrations) and involved a number of prominent authorities in Slovak history. Fourteen chronological chapters present the path of Slovak history with controversies over the meaning of certain aspects of it raised in the endnotes. The extensive bibliography too points readers to debates and alternate, sometimes conflicting interpretations of the events and persons presented in the main text. With all of the seismic changes going on in Central Europe, including the Balkans, since the fall of the Berlin Wall in the late 1980s, this comprehensive, up-to-date history is to be welcomed by any reader interested in this region which has become crucial in world affairs. The book with its popular and scholarly elements can be taken at different levels, from introductory survey to exposure to open debates assessing finer points of Slovak history. ... Read more

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Slovakia split from Czechoslovakia and formed its own state on March 14, 1939. The Slovak State was born under the auspices of Hitlers Third Reich and became its first ally on September 1, 1939, when it took part in the invasion of Poland. The Slovak arm ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Slovensko ve válce...
**** Všechny dosavadní publikace o "Slovenskom štátì", pokud se vùbec zmiòují o armádì, tak jen tolik, že utržila èasté porážky a trpìla vysokou dezercí. Naproti tomu tato kniha nabízí skuteènì detailní pohled navznik a vývoj slovenské armády, její organizaci, výstroj, výzbroj a bojovénasazení na bojištích WW2. Nechybí ani podrobný popis vìtšiny zbraní abojové techniky, které slovenská armáda používala. Vše je pakzdokumentováno množstvím dobových fotografií. Co mi na knize vadí, jeabsence rejstøíku (jmen i míst). Také seznam tabulek by se hodil, protožejich je pomìrnì hodnì. Jinak ale hodnotím tuto knihu velmi vysoko: jednakje to dosud jediná kniha, která se vìnuje slovenské armádì, jednakrozšiøuje naše poznání a reviduje stereotypy o úèasti Slovenska na WW2.

Good book lots of photo's and information
This is basically the only book on the Slovak army in WW2 that goes in to great detail. It has lots of photo's so you can see what the foot soldier whore and what gear they carried and what equipment they used. It alsolists in good detail the vehicle's that were used. The history of theSlovak army I found to be informative and some info matched what my dad hadtold me (Slovak Army Vet WW2).My only critique would be on some of theillustrations pictures of soldiers, medals and insignia which are crudewater colored pictures. I wish they could have done illustrations pictureslike in the Osprey books (clear and detailed). I would highly recommendthis book if your interested in the Slovak army in WW2. Their is no otherbook that I know of that can come close to it on this subject matter. ... Read more

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The first account of the secret police in Eastern Europe after 1989, this book uses a wide range of sources, including archives, to identify what has and has not changed since the end of Communism. After explaining the structure and workings of two of the area's most feared services, Czechoslovakia's StB and Romania's Securitate, the authors detail the creation of new security intelligence institutions, the development of contacts with the West, and forms of democratic control. ... Read more

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Making History: Czech Voices of Dissent and the Revolution of 1989 brings together the personal narratives of eleven former dissidents who, though close associates of V_clav Havel, operated without his international celebrity. The narratives, based on interviews conducted by the author in Prague and Berlin, relate each individual's personal experiences on topics such as growing up in Czechoslovakia, life as a dissident, the Velvet Revolution, and the achievements and failures of the Czech Republic since 1989. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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The Historical Dictionary of Slovakia offers in its second edition an up to date series of entries on Slovak political, social, and economic development since the creation of the second Slovak Republic in 1993 until its admission into the European Union in 2004. ... Read more

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Slovakia has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners.This report puts these executives on the fast track.Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources).Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given. ... Read more

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Since Slovakia achieved independent state hood at he end of 1992 it has become one of the most prosperous post-communist states. This book provides a unique and thorough introduction to Slovakia and will enable the reader to understand its multi-faceted nature. The book includes chapters on twentieth century history, politics, economy and international relations. ... Read more

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During the four decades of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia a vast literature on working-class movements has been produced but it has hardly any value for today's scholarship. This remarkable study reopens the field. Based on Czech, Slovak, German and other sources, it focuses on the history of the multi-ethnic social democratic labor movement in Slovakia's capital Bratislava during the period 1867-1921, and on the process of national revolution during the years 1918-19 in particular. The study places the historic change of the former Pressburg into the modern Bratislava in the broader context of the development of multinational pre-1918 Hungary, the evolution of social, ethnic, and political relations in multi-ethnic Pressburg (a 'tri-national' city of Germans, Magyars, and Slovaks), and the development of the multinational labor movement in Hungary and the Habsburg Empire as a whole. ... Read more

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Recommendation LetterofSlovak Morality, by Vasil GluchmanThis is a book that needed to be written and that needs to be read because it engagesreflection on morality learned by a people who endured and survived magyarization commonly referred to in our own time as ethnic cleansing, cultural genocide, and/or forced ethnic assimilation.It may even give pause for reflection to readers who see themselves as personally untouched by this misery but are active promoters of nothing but the virtues of pluralism to wonder whether pluralism is a contemporary way of eliminating unwanted ethnic groups by homogenization of all to pluralism.This book is not a collection of lessons from history but a chorus of voices that offer an honest, serious, yet refreshing and insightful understanding ourselves, society and culture.There are uncommon paradigms to consider in these articles that can enhance anyone s sense of living in reality.Vasil Gluchman s article on the important personality ofMartin Razus, A Philosopher and Ethicist,is a case in point.Razus explains that the most important lesson to learn isto accept blowsto build oneself as being above all images of the world that would render one unhappy and harmed.Pain belongs to life as a shadow belongs to an object in the sun.There are powers ofruinationin life but the motto of a person must become:Do not give in to life [ruination]. Rather, learn to orient your life on the development of creativity and productive powers that lie within and offer you possibility of self-cultivation and self-development.This collection covers a wide academic range of subject material, from meta-ethical and theological reflections, to problems of alcoholism, family, and work to moral aspects in literature that put morality at center stage in the human experience, all of which are united by the furnace that was the Slovak experience of ethnic cleansing.Howard M. Ducharme, D.Phil.Professor & Chair, Philosophy DepartmentUniversity of AkronUSA ... Read more

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National identities and nationalism, especially in the European context have aroused lots of current interest among scholars from a wide variety of academic disciplines, and the topic most certainly will continue to attract further attention also in the future. A great number of the studies dealing with national identities have emphasized the long time span and the role of the national intelligentsia in the evolution of a national identity. This study uses another approach by underlining the short time span and a number of practical issues that contributed to the strengthening of the national identity of the Slovaks during the first two years following the independence of Czechoslovakia. Furthermore, the conflicting interests of the states of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland and the ethnic groups in Slovakia at that time have been given special attention. The study also aims to help us understand why it was initially so difficult for the Slovaks to agree with the idea of the one and united Czechoslovak nation. ... Read more

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This book deals with aspects of national formation in Slovakia from October 1918 through September 1938, and especially with the role of secondary and higher education in the process. ... Read more