Description
Book SynopsisThis essential survey traces the history of three Baltic peoples - Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians - from their origins as tribal societies to their transformation into dominant national populations in separate states. Focusing especially on recent centuries, the book integrates the histories of the recently formed nations to highlight their common features.
Trade Review'A masterful survey of the history of the eastern Baltic littoral by one of the leading authorities in the field. Plakans' book provides the most accessible account to date of the rise of modern nationhood and of the commonalities of fate that have bound the peoples of the region during the modern era. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding contemporary Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.' David J. Smith, University of Glasgow
'A tour de force of concise and yet comprehensive history - probably the most complete and nuanced in any language. Plakans traces the footsteps of hunter-gatherers and farmers moving north with retreating glaciers to the struggles of contemporary Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians as they labor to maintain their national identities amid globalized interdependence. He discerns no simple patterns and notes the distinct trajectories of each people. The author underscores what is not known, particularly about earlier times, but weaves abundant factual information into the narrative.' Walter C. Clemens, Jr, Boston University
Table of Contents1. The peoples of the Eastern Baltic Littoral; 2. The new order, 1200–1500; 3. The new order reconfigured, 1500–1710; 4. Installing hegemony: the Littoral and Tsarist Russia, 1710–1800; 5. Reforming and controlling the Baltic Littoral, 1800–55; 6. Five decades of transformations, 1855–1905; 7. Statehood in troubled times, 1905–40; 8. The return of empires, 1940–91; 9. Reentering Europe: 1991; Suggested readings.
