The Price of Freedom: A History of East Central Europe from the Middle Ages to the Present

The second edition of this distinguished book brings the history of the region up to date.  Discussing the events of the post-communist decade of the 1990s and the problems resulting from the transition to democracy and market economy, this fascinating subject is made accessible by all students of modern European history. The Price of Freedom surveys and explains the fascinating and intricate history of East Central Europe - the present day countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia and, taking a thematic approach, the author explores such issues and controversies as the tension between the industrial developed West and the agrarian East Central Europe, the rise of modern nationalism, democracy, authoritarianism and Communism. All students and researchers in the field will find this an infinitely useful resource.