Description
Book Synopsis: The Hungarians is the most comprehensive, clear-sighted, and absorbing history ever of a legendarily proud and passionate but lonely people. Much of Europe once knew them as "child-devouring cannibals" and "bloodthirsty Huns." But it wasn't long before the Hungarians became steadfast defenders of the Christian West and fought heroic freedom struggles against the Tatars (1241), the Turks (16-18th centuries), and, among others, the Russians (1848-49 and 1956). Paul Lendvai tells the fascinating story of how the Hungarians, despite a string of catastrophes and their linguistic and cultural isolation, have survived as a nation-state for more than 1,000 years.
Lendvai, who fled Hungary in 1957, traces Hungarian politics, culture, economics, and emotions from the Magyars' dramatic entry into the Carpathian Basin in 896 to the brink of the post-Cold War era. Hungarians are ever pondering what being Hungarian means and where they came from. Yet, argues Lendvai, Hungarian national identity is not only about ancestry or language but also an emotional sense of belonging. Hungary's famous poet-patriot, Sándor Petofi, was of Slovak descent, and Franz Liszt felt deeply Hungarian though he spoke only a few words of Hungarian. Through colorful anecdotes of heroes and traitors, victors and victims, geniuses and imposters, based in part on original archival research, Lendvai conveys the multifaceted interplay, on the grand stage of Hungarian history, of progressivism and economic modernization versus intolerance and narrow-minded nationalism.
He movingly describes the national trauma inflicted by the transfer of the historic Hungarian heartland of Transylvania to Romania under the terms of the Treaty of Trianon in 1920--a trauma that the passing of years has by no means lessened. The horrors of Nazi and Soviet Communist domination were no less appalling, as Lendvai's restrained account makes clear, but are now part of history.
An unforgettable blend of eminent readability, vibrant humor, and meticulous scholarship, The Hungarians is a book without taboos or prejudices that at the same time offers an authoritative key to understanding how and why this isolated corner of Europe produced such a galaxy of great scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Details
Discover the remarkable story of The Hungarians: A Thousand Years of Victory in Defeat. This captivating and comprehensive history book sheds light on a once misunderstood and resilient people. Once labeled as "child-devouring cannibals" and "bloodthirsty Huns," the Hungarians rose above their reputation and became valiant defenders of the Christian West.
Through heroic struggles against various invaders, including the Tatars, Turks, and Russians, the Hungarians defied all odds and maintained their independence for over 1,000 years. Written by the esteemed author Paul Lendvai, who himself had to flee Hungary, this book delves into the intricacies of Hungarian politics, culture, economics, and emotions.
Lendvai skillfully explores the essence of Hungarian national identity, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere ancestry or language. It is an emotional connection, a sense of belonging that transcends borders. Hungarian heroes like Sándor Petofi, who had Slovak descent, and Franz Liszt, who felt deeply Hungarian despite speaking only a few words of the language, encapsulate this collective identity.
Uncover the gripping tales of triumph and betrayal, of great minds and imposters, as Lendvai brings Hungarian history to life. With meticulous research and colorful anecdotes, he paints a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle between progressivism and economic modernization against intolerance and narrow-minded nationalism.
One of the most poignant moments in Hungarian history was the transfer of Transylvania, the country's historic heartland, to Romania under the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. This national trauma continues to resonate, alongside the horrors inflicted by Nazi and Soviet Communist domination. Yet, despite these hardships, the Hungarians have always emerged resilient.
Immerse yourself in this remarkable book that seamlessly combines readability, humor, and scholarly exploration. The Hungarians breaks taboos and prejudices, painting a truthful picture of a nation that produced brilliant scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on this authoritative key to understanding the rich and diverse tapestry of Hungarian history.
Experience the captivating journey of The Hungarians: A Thousand Years of Victory in Defeat. Click here to get your copy now!
Discover More Best Sellers in Australia & Oceania
Shop Australia & Oceania
Island of the Lost: An Extraordinary Story of Survival at the Edge of the World
$11.19
Australia & Oceania - Island of the Lost: An Extraordinary Story of Survival at the Edge of the World
The Moʻolelo Hawaiʻi of Davida Malo Volume 1: Ka ‘Ōlelo Kumu (Hawaiian Edition)
$54.84
Australia & Oceania - The Moʻolelo Hawaiʻi of Davida Malo Volume 1: Ka ‘Ōlelo Kumu (Hawaiian Edition)
The Far Land: 200 Years of Murder, Mania, and Mutiny in the South Pacific
$18.88
Australia & Oceania - The Far Land: 200 Years of Murder, Mania, and Mutiny in the South Pacific
$2.99
Australia & Oceania - Beaufighter Night Fighter Ace Malta 1942: The flying career of night fighter ace Flight Lieutenant Mervyn Shipard DFC* RAAF
Connecting the Kingdom: Sailing Vessels in the Early Hawaiian Monarchy, 1790–1840
$27.99
Australia & Oceania - Connecting the Kingdom: Sailing Vessels in the Early Hawaiian Monarchy, 1790–1840
$13.11
Australia & Oceania - Mutiny on the Bounty: A saga of sex, sedition, mayhem and mutiny, and survival against extraordinary odds
