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Bosnia: A Short History

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Noel Malcolm's 'Bosnia: A Short History' delves beyond a mere recitation of historical events, exploring disputed aspects of Bosnia's past and presenting a distinct Bosnian history separate from Serbia or Croatia. The book covers the Ottoman period in detail, discussing the complexities of local rivalries, conflicts, and the status of peasants. Malcolm also expands the narrative beyond Bosnia's borders, examining internal politics in the empire and relations with neighboring countries. The book offers a comprehensive history of Bosnia from ancient to modern times, shedding light on the origins of various ethnic and religious groups in the region.

Malcolm's writing style is described as authoritative, factual, and engaging, providing readers with a compelling insight into the complex history of Bosnia. Despite some criticisms of bias in certain chapters, the book is praised for its detailed exploration of Bosnia's history, debunking myths, and presenting a nuanced analysis of the country's political, economic, and cultural development. Readers commend Malcolm for his meticulous research, statistical evidence, and analytical approach, particularly in covering sensitive topics like the 1990s war in Bosnia.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging, academic yet accessible, combining storytelling with factual rigor.

Plot/Storyline:

The work details Bosnia's intricate history, examining its various cultural influences and significant historical events.

Setting:

The setting is primarily Bosnia, with a historical context spanning several centuries.

Pacing:

The pacing is varied, with detailed sections that may require careful reading but maintains engagement throughout.

Notes:

Malcolm's book covers the complex history of Bosnia from ancient to modern times.
The book discusses the unique economic system in Yugoslavia, which had open markets and access to Western goods.
It highlights the development of universal healthcare and tuition-free college during the Tito era.
Malcolm aims to debunk myths about ethnic tensions in Bosnia, presenting a more nuanced view.
The book examines the position of Bosnian Muslims during the Yugoslav war.
Malcolm notes no mass conversions to Islam during the Ottoman period, highlighting local rivalries instead.
He provides a strong analysis of the Medieval period in Bosnia, addressing the origins of various ethnic groups.
The author discusses how different factions of Bosnian Slavs identified themselves during the rise of nationalism in the Balkans.
Malcolm’s writing is described as engaging, making it a compelling read for those interested in Bosnia's history.
The book underlines the importance of understanding Bosnia's past to avoid misinformed Western policies.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include descriptions of war, violence, and political oppression, which are relevant to the historical context covered in the book.

From The Publisher:

Discusses the different ethnic and religious groups that inhabit Bosnia, and looks at the political and cultural upheaval that have been a continuing part of the region's history

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