The Death of Yugoslavia (BBC)

Having read many books on the Breakup of Yugoslavia, I have to say that this is among the best and is certainly the bast at giving the general, overall picture as to what happened (all the other books I liked mainly dealt with specific events or viewed from a particular angle).

It is also one of the easiest books to read and is intended for the mainstream readers as opposed to some which really go into the finer details with huge footnotes, written more like a legal paper than a book!.

I would recommend this book to anyone curious as to what happened during the late 80's through to the mid-90's in the Balkans, especially those who know little/nothing about the topic already!

There have been 1 or 2 comments which suggest that the politics of the book is slightly anti-serb, but having read books that have been written from all sides (to the point of actual propaganda!), I have to say that this book is very balanced and deals primarily in fact as opposed to rumours/lies/propaganda etc. Given that at the time of writing (the war was still ongoing), British policy was very pro-serbian, this was a refreshing eye-opener to many people.

Comprehensive and unbiased account of the break-up (1/1 people found this helpful)

Very enjoyable single volume history of the break up of Yugoslavia. The book is well written and the chapters are logically structured and not too long. The coverage is comprehensive and, in my view, written with very little political or ethnic bias, despite other review comments to the contrary.

Excellent and very comprehensive. (14/14 people found this helpful)

This book is by far and away the most comprehensive and clear account on the bloody collapse of the Former Yugoslavia. It is excellently presented and by no means does one need to be an expert on the subject to understand it. I have both lived and worked in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and now study the subject. By all accounts the book is historically accurate, non-partisan and a good, though heartbreaking, read. For anyone who wishes to understand the break-up of the Former Yugoslavia there is no better starting place.

OK (13/23 people found this helpful)

This book on Yugoslavia is ok but nothing more, in my opinion. Its one of those books which simply parrots the British government line as to the reasons why Yugoslavia broke-up. Again, obviously the Serbs are portrayed as being to blame for everything and all others are victims of Serbian aggression. Any crimes committed against Serbs (except a couple of references) are simply omitted. Bosnia's President Izetbegovic is portrayed as being the idyllic leader and even President Tudjman of Croatia is not criticised to a great extent. But that is why 100% goes to Milosevic.

As the book was published in 1995 (before the war even finished), it omits things which we know now but didn't know then. It turns into a rather dry and basic account of the war in many parts, unfortunately.

Excellent (9/13 people found this helpful)

Excellent series and book; with some very interesting details of the events leading up to the war. One of the best books on the crisis by far.

Allan Little, Laura Silber

Reader Reviews:

A great all-rounder (0/0 people found this helpful)

Comprehensive and unbiased account of the break-up (1/1 people found this helpful)

Excellent and very comprehensive. (14/14 people found this helpful)

OK (13/23 people found this helpful)

Excellent (9/13 people found this helpful)

Similar Products

Categories