Kosovo: A Short History

std as cover: Harper Perennial, 1999. Paperback. Used: Acceptable. Condition good. ref ZKVQ In this first-ever complete history of Kosovo, Noel Malcolm carefully sifts facts from fiction and lays to rest many of the false claims which have bedevilled all discussion of the region. His account is based on a profound knowledge of both the original sources and the existing historical literature in every Balkan language. The story of Kosovo includes the key episodes of two national histories: the rise of the medieval Serbian state, and the making of modern Albania. This book also brings to life the story of Ottoman rule in Europe. It presents not only a crucial part of the background to the modern Yugoslav crisis, but also a vital element in the whole pattern of south-east European history. Review "What could have been mere academic hairsplitting in the hands of another author is transformed by Malcolm into a thrilling detective story." -- "New York Times Book Review"Malcolm's narrative is gripping, even brilliant at times. . . . He takes to his task with the vigor of a detective driven by true passion. At times his claims are, in terms of Balkan history, quite revolutionary." -- "The Economist" "Kosovo: A Short History" by Noel Malcolm shows that the conflict between Serbs and Albanians is less about religion and bloodlines and more about history and differing views of national origins. Malcolm, a British historian now at Harvard, disputes Serbian claims to Kosovo." -- "USA Today"In this awe-inspiring work, Malcolm has created an essential aid to anyone who wishes to understand this tragic region today . . . . His book is exceptional not only for his unimpeachable research, but also for his equitable examination of the conflicting ethnic views of what really happened in this contentious region, and his determination to debunk dangerous myths." --" Publishers Weekly"Excellent." -- "New York Review of Books