A Concise History of Hungary (Cambridge Concise Histories)

Molnár, Miklós

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521667364 ISBN 13: 9780521667364

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2001

This book offers a comprehensive thousand-year history of the land, people, society, culture and economy of Hungary, from its nebulous origins in the Ural Mountains to the elections of 1988. It tells above all the thrilling story of a people which became a great power in the region and then fought against - and was invaded by - Ottomans, Germans and Soviets. The Hungarian people preserved nevertheless a continuous individuality through its Ural-born language and a specifically Hungaro-European culture. Dominated from the sixteenth century by the Habsburgs, while ruling its own national minorities, Hungary was deprived of two-thirds of its lands and peoples through successive treaties which followed the two World Wars, after which it fell under Soviet domination for nearly fifty years. Free and independent since 1990, Hungary continues to seek its rightful position in Europe.

Review:

'Good surveys of Hungarian history are rare. Miklos Molnar's new book is an exception. It is analytical, opinionated, yet reliable - and an enjoyable read as well.' Budapest in Your Pocket Guide

'This book is one of a series of short, well written and authoritative histories of a variety of countries that Cambridge University Press is to be congratulated on publishing ... These books provide a superb introduction for the general reader or a traveller preparing for a visit.' Contemporary Review

'This is an impartial, even-handed, and altogether fair book, a pleasure to read. Molnár sets out to accomplish his task combining the qualities of an author and an academic: he is erudite, inquisitive, investigative, and broad minded. A Concise History of Hungary is a welcome addition to a growing family of shorter histories of Hungary in English'. Nationalities Papers

Book Description:

This book offers a comprehensive history of the land, people, society, culture and economy of Hungary, from its origins to the 1988 elections. Above all it tells the thrilling story of a people which fought against - and who were invaded by - Ottomans, Germans and Soviets before regaining independence in 1990.