The Balkans [Modern Library Chronicles]

By: Mark Mazower

Narrated by: Robert O'Keefe

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

In this fascinating work, winner of the Wolfson Prize for History Mark Mazower uncovers the history of the Balkans with detail and clarity. He explores the reasons for current conflicts and examines the Balkans as a religious, cultural, and economic melting pot for Europe and Asia. Through Robert O'Keefe's articulate narration, listeners will be absorbed by this rich world.

©2000 Mark Mazower

layer cake of history

This provides a good explanation of the term balkanization; it is a bewilderingly complex story of conquests, resentments, competing civilizations, ideologies, and rugged landscapes. It was a bit challenging keeping all the players, invaders, and religious leaders in their respective places. Writing and narration were adequate.

Must Read for understanding of the Balkans

I have read several books on the Balkans but none caught my attention as much as this one did. I just really think that the author did a great job in describing historical facts in an interesting way. Really was hard to shut this book off. Made me wish I had an Atlas with me at all times. Hopefully policy makers listen or read these books to get a sound history on areas that have become hotspots.

Now I understand what all the fuss is about

This recording explains the seeds of strife in the modern Balkans -- why hatred and mistrust has lingered for so long. It's "quick history" but a very illuminating introductory view of the area for someone who has no knowledge of the area.

Very insightful history of the Balkans

It shows how the Ottoman Empire shaped Balkan culture for both better and for worse.

The Balkans

This is a serious scholarly book, unbiased, well researched and very informative. A good listen and must have book for everyone who is interested on the history of the people in the Balkan region.

Thorough History...

This was a good listen. The author gives a good sense of the history of the region leading up to the present day, helping to explain why the Balkans became such a troubled region in the '90s. For anyone who is/was curious as to what was behind the recent strifes (beyond what the media told us), then this would be a good read. The only downside to the book is that it is sometimes chronilogically out of order. I'm not sure the author had much choice given how many present-day events are tied to past events, but it makes for several "what happened when?" moments. Nonetheless, I a good and thorough listen.

Good material loosely arraigned.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This is an extremely interesting topic. The details are very interesting. I feel the author could arraign the material more logically.

What does Robert O'Keefe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Very well read.

Was The Balkans [Modern Library Chronicles] worth the listening time?

Definitely yes.

Fails to stick the Landing

The author does provide a decent overview of Balkans history between the time of the fall of Constantinople and WW2, but it fails to build anything. The author attempts to make it a message about how violence isn't inherent in the region, and how much of it was due to western influence, but the author fails to establish sufficient grounding for this thesis. Unfortunately, the author almost completely neglects the period after WW2, which arguably is some of the most interesting stuff, and would have helped a general audience to better understand the 90s period of unrest in the region, which is what most people probably got this book for.

The narrator's performance was fine.

Very useful concise

Excellent summary for someone like me who knew very little about the topic. Strong presentation of important trends, without a lot of detail that wouldn’t fit in a short book, over the span of centuries. I feel like I got the essence of Balkan history.

Don't waste your time.

Just another revisionist let loose on the public at large.