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Johnson's book offers a comprehensive history of the nations in Central Europe, spanning from Roman times to the latter part of the twentieth century. While it may not be completely exhaustive, it provides a solid overall foundation regarding the cultures, politics, religion, and history of this region. Johnson is meticulous in defining Central Europe, presenting various theories about what the term truly means and how different nations perceive it and themselves in relation to their neighbors. A significant amount of attention is dedicated to Germany, given its extensive interactions with the smaller nations between it and what later became Russia over the years. Many theories are put forward for interpreting the numerous events and exchanges that took place between Germany (and other major nations like the USSR) and the smaller nations, which I found quite valuable. I believe Johnson does an outstanding job of描绘 this region's historical grand scheme, showing how ancient events build upon one another and lead to subsequent events in history. The book is relatively easy to read, featuring helpful footnotes that offer both explanations and suggestions for further reading, along with an index. I have annotated this book extensively, zeroing in on topics that capture my interest, such as the distinction between "patriotism" and "nationalism," which Johnson only briefly touches on. Of course, in such a comprehensive work, it's impossible to cover everything. However, as a previous professor of mine correctly pointed out, Johnson left out almost everything about the Jews in Danzig (Gdańsk, a city he focuses on for some time), a crucial minority in the area. Nonetheless, I consider it an excellent starting point for readers interested in the general history and culture of Central Europe.
