Historical Atlas of Central Europe

Most people would not consider reading an atlas like this one. However, it has been said on one of the blurbs on the back that it is an essential resource for journalists, historians, politicians, business people, teachers, and those interested in the fate of the complex continent of Europe. Another early reviewer claimed that every international reporter and diplomat should be locked in a room and not released until they had assimilated its content. While my own praise for this book is not as excessive as that, it is an extremely worthwhile book. Its contents not only demonstrate the great complexity of Central and Eastern Europe but also represent many of the preoccupations of contemporary historical geography. If, by some unlikely chance, you are locked in a room by a newspaper book reviewer (obviously European) and forced to read this book, you will at least have an atlas filled with detailed maps and explanatory text. This shows that someone has read a great deal of relevant historical material to share with those interested.

The author has organized the material to answer approximately sixty-one questions of historical interest about the history of eastern and central Europe. Some of the material is presented out of chronological order, which can be a bit disorienting. However, those who appreciate detail and complexity in maps will find much to appreciate here. These maps provide the reader with a lot of insights and even more questions to ponder and explore the implications of. The author begins his investigation during the late antiquity period as the Roman Empire was approaching collapse. Early maps show the movement of peoples and the political development of the region during the Middle Ages. However, the author has more in mind than just pictures of moving populations or the boundaries of empires, fascinating as these issues may be. Instead, a significant portion of the book is dedicated to economic patterns, the growth of cities, and the religious and ethnolinguistic boundaries of various peoples, which have contributed to a great deal of the complexity and instability associated with the region. As might be expected given the presentist bias of contemporary historiography, over half of the maps cover the time period from 1900 onward.

A reader, at least one who can internalize the book's contents, will gain a great deal of insight into the problems and complexities of history in the region. There are many consequences to the materials presented. One is that the fate and well-being of many small and scattered peoples, including relatively powerful ones like the Magyars and diverse groups such as Jews, Rusyns, and Uniate Catholics, have depended on the behavior of states that have not always had their best interests at heart. The proliferation of states and the enormity of irredentist claims have made Eastern Europe synonymous with insoluble difficulties that often spill over into the wider world. This book also points out the problem of the Sorbs in Germany and the way that external empires have often caused a significant share of the problems through their actions in the central and eastern European regions, whether through forced population transfers or the movement of new peoples and the establishment of political and religious pressures that have frequently made an already complicated area even more so.

An amazing atlas has emerged that offers a detailed look into the political history of Central Europe.

It serves as a great primer, providing valuable insights into the goings-on with each and every map.

The atlas is a treasure trove of information, allowing readers to explore the complex political landscapes that have shaped this region over the years.

With its clear and concise maps, it makes it easy to understand the various political changes and events that have taken place.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about Central Europe, this atlas is a must-have.

It offers a unique perspective on the region's political history and is sure to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this fascinating area.

A superb reference by a recognized authority on the subject. This is not so much a book you “read” but is more a book you study. It contains in-depth knowledge and detailed analysis that requires careful attention and concentration. I borrowed this from the library initially, but I was so impressed that I am now investing in a copy of my own. Having my own copy will allow me to refer back to it easily whenever I need to. It is a valuable resource that I believe will enhance my understanding of the subject matter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about delving deeper into this particular field.

The title of this work might give a wrong impression. In fact, for all practical intents and purposes, this volume is essentially a European atlas.

This atlas is truly remarkable. It superimposes a vast array of data, including geological, topographical, ethnographical, cultural, and political aspects, onto maps of the continent, states, and provinces. The level of comprehensiveness, detail, and the intelligent graphic organization make it stand out.

It leaves a deep impression and can be regarded as the finest historical atlas that I have ever encountered. For the serious researcher delving into European history, its value is indisputable. It provides a wealth of information and a unique perspective that can greatly enhance our understanding of the complex and diverse history of Europe.

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When people claim that a certain part of the world is overly complex and beyond comprehension, it is merely because they lack knowledge of its geography, tribes, or history. This atlas comprehensively addresses all these aspects in full color.

Often, in a history book, it can be challenging to even locate a map depicting rivers. However, Magocsi provides not only the rivers but also mountain passes, trade routes, ecclesiastic jurisdictions, language groups, sources of raw materials, and the gas and oil pipelines constructed by the USSR to serve its eastern European satellites.

One aspect that particularly stood out for me was the significant amount of population movement that occurred here over time. Groups were "invited to settle" for purposes such as farming, operating mines, or conducting city business. After World War II, there are population figures indicating the depopulation of centuries-old minority groups, sometimes the very same groups that were once "invited to settle."

Sometimes, Germans who were "invited to settle" centuries before formed the basis for Hitler's later invasion, similar to the excuse Putin uses today regarding Russians who were once settled in Ukraine. The map of 1870 - 1910 essentially tells the story of immigration to America. The inclusion of placenames in both common English and their native spellings, as well as the different names for the same ethnicities in different countries as tribal groups merged into national groups, was extremely helpful to me.

I also appreciated the list of declarations and counterdeclarations of war for the Great War. You could observe the patterns of big landowners and princes aligning themselves with Hitler in an attempt to regain the land they lost in the Great War. Many would ride the coattails of a murdering despot for personal gain.

In addition to the excellent descriptive maps, Magocsi's text made for captivating reading, although it can be a bit of a whirlwind.