The Balkans [Modern Library Chronicles]

De: Mark Mazower

Narrado por: Robert O'Keefe

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.

Croatian complexities

A cogent useful history of very complex countries and the historical challenges that we still see today.

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.

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.