A History of Slovakia -
The Struggle for Survival
by Stanislav J. Kirschbaum
Kirschbaum's 'A History of Slovakia' is one of those great historical
works, that as well as providing us with a diligently researched,
factual account, is also a damn good read.
First published in 1995, 2 years after the Velvet divorce, 'A History
of Slovakia' was the Western World's first popular history of Slovakia.
The book's strap line 'The Struggle for Survival' is the main theme
throughout.
From Chapter 1: 'The First State' (describing Prince Mojmir's Great
Moravian Empire), until the 12th chapter 'Democracy and Independence'
(covering the Velvet Revolution and the Velvet Divorce), Kirschbaum
documents how for over a thousand years Slovakia continually struggled
to survive as a nation state.
The book covers the important role Slovakians played in Europe
during the Middle Ages, their near extinction as a people under
Hungary's brutal Magyarisation Policy, the Nazi Puppet State during
WWII, and how Slovakia fared under Communism.
If you are interested in learning more about Slovakia' history,
then this very well written book comes highly recommended.
