The Ukrainians

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Unexpected Nation; Second Edition

Andrew Wilson

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This book is the most acute, informed, and insightful account of Ukraine and its people available today. Andrew Wilson focuses on the complex relations between Ukraine and Russia and explains the different versions of the past propagated by Ukrainians and Russians. He also examines the continuing debates over identity, culture, and religion in Ukraine since its independence in 1991. For this new edition, Wilson has brought the text fully up to date to include coverage of the Yushchenko government and the “Gongadze affair.”

“In this excellent guide, Wilson charts the history of Ukrainian nationalism over the centuries and examines the ways in which Ukrainians have understood their culture, myths, history, and politics as specifically Ukrainian. Wilson has succeeded admirably in providing a detailed and judicious study of the current ideas that make up Ukrainian national identity.”—Virginia Quarterly Review

“A lively, detailed, and eminently sensible exploration of who the Ukrainians are and why they are important . . . required reading for anyone with a serious interest in Eastern Europe.”—Anna Reid, Literary Review

“[A] sweeping introductory examination of Ukrainian identity and history. . . . An exceptional history, the kind that supplies not pat answers but food for thought within a lush context of documented and mythological past.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Andrew Wilson is senior lecturer in Ukrainian studies at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College, London.

"A very readable, well-organized study. . . . An informative introduction to a complex subject."—Bohdan Klid, Canadian Journal of History

“Wilson calls his own approach deconstructivist but, unlike some deconstructivist works, this one is very readable and avoids overusing deconstructivist jargon. His approach results in a fresh, objective look at Ukrainian identity, which explores the many past and present possibilities that continue to confront this ‘unexpected nation’. . . . The importance of the book’s subject and the fresh look Wilson presents should lead all libraries to seriously consider its purchase.”—Choice

“The book makes for an interesting and provocative read, which will, one hopes, contribute to the Western understanding of what Ukraine is and why it matters.”—Volodymyr Kulyk, Harvard Ukrainian Studies

“A spirited and eminently learned investigation of who Ukranians say that they are, how they came to be so, and how others view them. . . . A comprehensive work incorporating a most impressive amount of data and analysis. Wilson skillfully uses the sweep of the past to make sense of present circumstances. . . . It packs in a great deal of deftly evaluated information. If you re add only one book of Ukraine, this should probably be it.”—Elizabeth Luchka Haigh, H-Net Reviews

“[A] sweeping introductory examination of Ukrainian identity and history. . . . An exceptional history, the kind that supplies not pat answers but food for thought within a lush context of documented and mythological past.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This marvelous work examines Ukranian history and politics in light of the literature of the countries nationalism. . . . A perfect introduction to a fascinating culture: strongly recommended for all libraries.”—Library Journal

“A lively, detailed and eminently sensible exploration of who the Ukrainians are and why they are important, and it should become required reading for anyone with a serious interest in Eastern Europe.”—Literary Review

“This important book is elegantly written and rich in information from various sources, in inspiring insights and interpretations. . . . It is fascinating reading.”—Slavic Review

“In this excellent guide, Wilson charts the history of Ukrainian nationalism over the centuries, and examines the ways in which Ukrainians have understood their culture, myths, history, and politics as specifically Ukrainian. Wilson has succeeded admirably in providing a detailed and judicious study of the current ideas that make up Ukrainian national identity, and his work is sure to interest a wide range of scholars.”—Virginia Quarterly Review

ISBN: 9780300093094
Publication Date: May 11, 2002

416 pages, 5 x 7 3/4
40 b/w + 28 color illus. + 6 maps

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