Stephen the Great and Balkan Nationalism: Moldova & Eastern European History Book - Explore Medieval Rulers, National Identity & Geopolitics in the Balkans | Perfect for Historians, Students & Political Science Researchers

Good introduction to the key figure of Moldovan nationalism, Stefan cel Mare. Not a lot of prior knowledge required to get to grips with the material as it isn't a standard history looking at all the usual political, economic, geographical contexts. The book self consciously limits itself to ethno symbolism, a concept I'd not encountered before - looking at the artefacts of the construction of ethnic consciousness. While this is interesting, Eagles does bang on and on about it as if was being paid each time he mentioned the word. The idea isn't complicated so it doesn't need to be explained anew every chapter. It's as if Eagles feels he has to justify what he's about every few pages. The book would be a fair bit shorter if the editing in this respect had been sharper. It's not very long anyway as a quarter is taken up with footnotes and bibliography. Eagles is clearly very thorough so you feel in authoritative hands. There's certainly plenty for the specialist to chase up. Thought provoking on nature of self conscious construction of nationalism in newly formed countries, which is interesting to compare to the more organic nature of the phenomenon in more historically stable polities such as England. We can be less strident and less touchy as we have not had to define ourselves against overwhelming neighbours. Indeed the Welsh and Scots may claim England culturally played/plays a similar role to USSR/Russia relative to Moldova, though hopefully they would admit in a less malign way! Studies such as this have helped me understand more about a country and people that have given me so much. I recommend this highly for anyone interested in Moldova, Romania, breakup of the USSR or nationalism. Money and time well spent.