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.

This is quite an excellent book that offers great insights for a better understanding of Central Europe.

It vividly demonstrates how the past history has a profound impact on shaping the relationships in the present day.

By delving into the historical events, cultures, and traditions of Central Europe, the book provides a comprehensive view of the region.

Readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex web of relationships that exist between different countries and peoples.

The author's detailed research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Central Europe.

Whether you are a student, a traveler, or simply someone with a curiosity about this fascinating region, this book is sure to provide valuable information and启迪.

Central Europe?

It's truly a haven for coffee lovers.

The region is renowned for having an incredibly diverse range of good coffees.

From the rich and bold espressos to the smooth and creamy cappuccinos, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Even if you take the time to read about it first, you still won't be fully prepared for the amazing coffee experiences that await you.

The coffee culture in Central Europe is deeply ingrained, and you can find charming coffee shops on almost every corner.

The baristas are highly skilled and passionate about their craft, ensuring that each cup is made to perfection.

So, if you're a coffee enthusiast, make sure to visit Central Europe and let the wonderful world of coffee take you by storm.

You'll be in for a treat that you won't soon forget.

If you're a nerd (ahem) for history,

I found this a great read before visiting Vienna/Budapest/Prague for the first time.

These three cities are rich in history and culture, and this book provided me with a wealth of information about their past.

From the Habsburg Empire to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and from the Communist era to the present day, the book covered it all.

It also included interesting facts and anecdotes about the cities' famous landmarks, such as the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, and the Charles Bridge in Prague.

Reading this book not only enhanced my understanding of the history and culture of these cities but also made my visit更加 enjoyable and meaningful.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history and planning a trip to Vienna/Budapest/Prague.

Interesting.

It is truly great to have some background information before a trip to a particular area.

This knowledge can enhance the overall experience and make the visit more meaningful.

For example, learning about the local history, culture, and traditions can give travelers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the place they are visiting.

It can also help them to better interact with the locals and immerse themselves in the local way of life.

In addition, having some background knowledge can also help travelers to plan their itinerary more effectively.

They can identify the must-see attractions and activities based on their interests and preferences.

Overall, having some background information before a trip is a great way to make the most of the experience and create lasting memories.

I'm about 90% certain that I read the first edition of this book around 2010. It was not long before I started using Goodreads. For years, I have been meaning to find this book again. However, I was misled by the new cover of the second edition. The old cover had a certain charm that I remembered vividly. But when I saw the new cover, it didn't give me the same impression. I kept looking for the familiar cover, thinking that the book with the new cover might not be the same one I read before. It wasn't until recently that I realized that the content of the book is what matters, not just the cover. So, I'm determined to find this book again, regardless of the cover, and re-read the story that I enjoyed so much back in 2010.

A Great Survey of the Region

This is a truly great survey of the region.

It has covered a wide range of aspects, providing in-depth insights and valuable information.

The surveyors have been meticulous in their work, leaving no stone unturned.

They have collected data from various sources, including interviews, questionnaires, and field observations.

The results of this survey are not only interesting but also highly significant.

They can help us better understand the characteristics and trends of the region, which is of great importance for making informed decisions and formulating effective policies.

In conclusion, this great survey of the region is a remarkable achievement that will have a profound impact on our understanding and development of the area.

This is a very informative book that centers on the history of a geographic area that most Americans, myself included, have little knowledge about.

According to the author, the boundaries of Central Europe are rather nebulous. In general, we are referring to the area ruled by the Hapsburgs, the Hohenzollerns, and the Romanovs, who respectively governed Austria, Prussia, and Russia.

These three kingdoms spent hundreds of years conquering, losing, and trading many smaller kingdoms and groups of people in Central and Eastern Europe.

The author skillfully describes this give and take over the centuries and the hardships it imposed on the ethnic people caught up in the machinations of these ruling families.

Most fascinating was each of these people's "story." How they perceived their own history and their yearning for independence. Some ethnic groups endured a thousand years in waiting for their independence.

This book goes a long way in aiding our understanding of the recent tensions in Central/Eastern Europe and the ethnic cleansing that took place.

It provides valuable insights into a complex and often overlooked region of the world.

I truly relished this book.

For a long time, I have had a burning desire to comprehend why my ancestors came and what they endured.

I was quite fond of the format. It wasn't overly detailed to the extent of making it overly long, but rather provided a just-right overview.

The only aspect that didn't interest me was the period from approximately World War I to the present.

There were indeed some good elements within it, but I believe this is the era when the oligarchs began to manipulate the historical narrative.

For instance, western bankers played a role in putting the Bolsheviks in power, yet this fact is wiped out in this book and by the mainstream media.

After this period, history books seem to be omitting reality in favor of a controlled narrative.

This makes me question the authenticity and comprehensiveness of the historical accounts we are presented with.

It is essential to dig deeper and seek alternative sources to gain a more accurate understanding of the past.

Having always been accustomed to viewing history from a Western European perspective, it was truly fascinating to rewrite and expand my historical knowledge by placing Central European countries at the center of the narrative. This process not only allowed me to review what I already knew but also provided a great opportunity for significant supplementation. If you are in search of a book that can effectively jog your historical memory while simultaneously offering novel insights and perspectives, then this is indeed an excellent choice. It is an extremely impressive work, as it successfully manages to strike the perfect balance between breadth and depth. It delves into various aspects of Central European history, covering a wide range of topics and time periods, yet still manages to maintain a high level of detail and analysis. This makes it a valuable resource for both history enthusiasts and scholars alike.

This is a truly superb history of Central Europe.

I firmly believe that it should be regarded as essential reading for any student of history, but particularly those studying European History.

It positions Germany and Austria within their appropriate context, namely as integral parts of Central Europe. This is in contrast to the often-biased Cold War division of Europe into a simple East and West.

By doing so, it vividly depicts the intricate historical interactions between Germans and Slavs, Protestants and Christians.

Moreover, it does not overlook the significant contributions and involvements of the Magyar, Ottoman, and Orthodox cultures.

If you were under the impression that you already knew and understood European History, it's time to think again.

This book offers a fresh and comprehensive perspective that will surely expand your knowledge and understanding of this fascinating region's history.

Lonnie Johnson's book on the history of Central Europe offers a comprehensive overview of the region and its journey towards modern existence.

The book predominantly focuses on Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic, while also giving some attention to the Baltic States, Slovakia, and southern Europe as they pertain to the main topic.

From the early days of the crusades to the fall of the Berlin Wall, readers are presented with an overview of the key moments in the history of this area and how they reshaped relations.

It is an ambitious work, considering its succinct nature, and manages to pack a great deal of information on each page.

However, my main criticism is that too much time is dedicated to Germany. I had purchased this book with the intention of learning more about the other countries of Central Europe.

Although events in Germany had a significant impact on the region, it was presented primarily from a German perspective rather than what I would consider a truly central European perspective.

For those seeking a good overview of the region, this book is a great choice. But if you are looking for in-depth details on the history of these individual countries, it may be best to look elsewhere.