The Reconstruction of Nations

By Timothy Snyder,

Book cover of The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999

Book description

From the bestselling author of On Tyranny comes a revealing history of the four modern national ideas that arose from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

"[A] fresh and stimulating look at the path to nationhood."-Robert Legvold, Foreign Affairs

"Erudite and engrossing."-Charles King, Times Literary Supplement

Modern nationalism in northeastern Europe has often…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Reconstruction of Nations as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This modern classic is still a must-read for my students nearly twenty years after its first publication. Nothing else comes close to its sweep over time and space as it explains how the legacies of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth continue to shape the relations between its successor nations and their founding narratives. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the protests in Belarus have made this well-written book even more essential to understanding the region.

From Richard's list on Central and Eastern European history.

Want books like The Reconstruction of Nations?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Reconstruction of Nations.

Browse books like The Reconstruction of Nations

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Lithuania?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Lithuania.

Ukraine Explore 85 books about Ukraine
Eastern Europe Explore 66 books about Eastern Europe
Lithuania Explore 18 books about Lithuania