In this Ukrainian bestseller, now available in English for the first time, Yaroslav Hrytsak examines the first three decades (1856-86) in the life of Ivan Franko, a prominent writer, scholar, journalist, and political activist who became an indisputable leader in the forging of modern Ukrainian national identity. Hrytsak does so against the background of small communities-Franko's family, his native village, his colleagues, the editors of periodicals for which he worked, and the revolutionary circles with which he interacted-during a time when multi-ethnic Habsburg Galicia evolved into several modern nations. This volume will remain a recognized standard for the study of the history of Ukraine and East Central Europe.

This book views the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, from a broad systemic perspective, as an ongoing process in which societal, economic, political, and institutional developments are intertwined. The Euromaidan and further developments, especially the Russian aggression, accelerated the westward reorientation of the economy, strengthened institutional checks and balances (for instance, through decentralization), changed the main social cleavage from an ethnolinguistic one to a division between urban creative and "oligarchic" classes, reshaped identity towards formation of a political nation, and increased the role of modernizing forces, especially civil society. However, so far, the Revolution has failed to bring about, despite some progress, a critical mass of changes regarding the rule of law while much of the economy remains rent-oriented. If modernizing forces are prudently managed, Ukraine has a chance to move forward on an evolutionary path. Otherwise, new conflicts are possible.

'Both pioneering and fundamental. This is the essential history of Ukraine, from one of the greatest Ukrainian thinkers and scholars.' Timothy Snyder #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of On Tyranny UKRAINE The Forging of a Nation explores the events that led to the creation of Ukraine, examining crucial moments of Ukrainian and world history and how connected they have been - and continue to be - to this day. In this compelling history, we see how the emergence of medieval states, the European discovery of America, the industrial and French revolutions, two world wars, the rise and collapse of totalitarian regimes and the 2022 Russian invasion, have all shaped this nation. With the eyes of the world watching, it has never been more crucial to understand the this country. In his new book, already a bestseller in Ukraine, Professor Yaroslav Hrytsak, Ukrainian intellectual and public historian, explores Ukraine's dramatic past, incredible fights for freedom and its place as a nation in our world today.

'History, stories, recipes and beautiful illustrations' - OLINA HERCULES 'Christmas brings the indestructibility of hope in times of the greatest hopelessness. As long as we celebrate this holiday, we can neither be defeated nor destroyed. This is the message that Ukraine is trying to convey to the world. And this is what our book is about.' From Christmas music to gifts and food, as well as a look back through the country's rich and troubled history through the perspective of the festive season, this beautifully illustrated and powerful book introduces readers to Ukraine's unique Christmas traditions. In a country where East and West meet, this is a fascinating and unmissable guide to capturing the spirit of one of the most important times of year and a powerful reminder of the strength of holding on to your culture and beliefs, even as others try to take everything from you. 'Sings of the independence of Ukraine yet ensures you feel the connecting hand of warmth, understanding, and friendship ... So profoundly meaningful and powerful, A Ukrainian Christmas ensures that you never lose sight of the true meaning of these festivities and how important they are in the lives of so many people' - LOVEREADING 'Richly illustrated ... from Christmas music to gifts and food, it introduces readers to festive traditions followed in Ukraine' - Caroline Sanderson, THE BOOKSELLER The Publisher is making a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal on publication of this book.

UKRAINE The Forging of a Nation offers readers a chance to understand more about Ukraine's remarkable past, examining the crucial moments of Ukrainian and global history of the past 1000 years. In this compelling history, learn how the emergence of medieval states, the discovery of America, the industrial and French revolutions, two world wars, the emergence and collapse of totalitarian regimes, recent middle-class revolutions and the 2022 Russian invasion - are all closely affiliated. In his new book, already a huge bestseller in Ukraine, Professor Yaroslav Hrytsak, Ukrainian intellectual and public historian, explores Ukraine's dramatic past and its place as a nation within the history of the world.