The Slavs in European History and Civilization

by Francis Dvornik

This dense brick of a book starts with a warning to the unwary--an (untranslated) Latin dedication. It was written by a Czech priest who eventually became a Harvard professor of Byzantine history. He informs readers that this book enlarges upon a Harvard course on Slavic history from the 13th to the 17th centuries. 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical

688 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1962

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Dvornik's book, first published in the 1960s, has remained in print because it is simply the best overview of Slavic history from the middle ages into the early modern period. The scope of time and geography Dvornik covers is astounding, as is his astute knowledge of Slavic history, however his writing can be a bit dry at times—this is a volume that is, and has always been, aimed mainly at an academic readership. He is also so sure-footed in his command of the material you nearly have to take notes to keep this king and that nation, or this other court and that prince straight: once the good professor introduces a person, place, or concept he won't explain it again and yet it may be referenced fifty pages down the line in passing. All of this, plus typesetting that is just decent and certainly not the best, makes the book in places difficult going even for those who read a lot of historical scholarship. The style of writing is also not the best at making the book flow in an even and pleasing manner; for a single-author volume it simply feels a bit choppy in places. Yet despite these complaints, it's a sweeping, accurate, well-researched, and very comprehensive treatment of overall western Slavic history up into the early modern period. For anyone interested in this area of history, you won't find a book that contains a greater wealth and diversity of information.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the most in depth Slavic History book around. It has a good deal of choppy writing. It really is meant for academic readers not casuals.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really refreshing to follow the development of states not in solitude, but in the context of similar, or different social and political processes of the neighbouring states. This high-level (kinda) view gives better understanding of decisions, made by the at-the-time rulers. However, I wouldn’t call it a weekend reading, the style reminds a textbook in some places. But it was definitely worth reading!