Crimea

Reviews / Votes

'Russia's seizure of Crimea was justified in Moscow as a rectification of an alleged "historic wrong". Why that was so, and why this ethnically-mixed peninsula became the cornerstone of Russia's political aspirations for over two centuries, is the fascinating story which Neil Kent tells with great verve in this erudite and gripping volume.' * Jonathan Eyal, International Director, Royal United Services Institute * 'Neil Kent has written a lively and informed volume that infuses the current debate with its missing historical context. A must read for anyone who wishes to probe beyond the headlines and learn more about this contested land's tragic past.' * Brian Glyn Williams, author of The Crimean Tatars: From Soviet Genocide to Putin's Conquest * 'Neil Kent has produced a fascinating account of the history of Crimea. He takes readers through the history of the peninsula, from Ancient Greek colonies and Ottoman palaces resting on the slopes of the magnificent bays of the Black Sea to such cosmopolitan cities as Sevastopol and Feodosia, in and around which so many deadly battles were fought by Russia, the Ottoman Empire and its Western European allies during the Crimean War. His conclusions are thought-provoking and at times even controversial, and will encourage lively debate on many aspects of Crimean history, ancient and modern.' * Vsevolod Samokhvalov, Fellow of the Cambridge Security Initiative, University of Cambridge * 'This is a much-needed and well-written book focusing on the past and present of a highly important region of Europe. The author fits the complex history of Crimea into a well-woven narrative, merging historical developments with highly interesting details. Crimea is highly recommended to those interested in the context of the drama playing out between Russia and Ukraine today.' * Vicken Cheterian, author of Open Wounds: Armenians, Turks and a Century of Genocide *