Bosnia: A Cultural History [Hardcover]

Ivan Lovrenovic (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0814751792 | ISBN-13: 978-0814751794 | Publication Date: September 1, 2001 | Edition: First Print

While the contemporary political history of Bosnia has been played out on television for international audiences, the complicated cultural basis for recent historical events remains largely unknown. Why did Bosnians who spoke the same language fracture along religious and ethnic lines? Is there a distinct Bosnian nation and Bosnian culture? What does it mean to be Bosnian if one is Serbian or Croatian? And what does the future hold for artistic and intellectual life in Bosnia?

In Bosnia: A Cultural History, Ivan Lovrenovic provides a complex and detailed account of Bosnian history from a unique and often overlooked perspective. Focusing on the changes in religious, cultural, and ethnic influences from Paleolithic times to the present, Lovrenovic's analysis probes deep into the Bosnian past and helps to enlighten the reader as to the present and potential future of this troubled land.

The evolution of the Bosnian Church distinct from the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the role of Islam and Judaism, religious and secular architecture, ancient and modern prose and poetry, music, radio, film and television are all discussed to offer a comprehensive portrait of Bosnian culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lovrenovic's talents lie not in the enumeration of historical facts, but in constructing (or discovering) a narrative to the evolving idea of Bosnia."

-Slavic and European Journal,

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Serbo-Croation

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: NYU Press; First Print edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814751792
• ISBN-13: 978-0814751794
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,433,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable, February 16, 2002

By 

Michael A. Sells "Mike" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosnia: A Cultural History (Hardcover)

A very special book.

One of the stereotypes about Bosnia and the recent conflicts was the common complaint that the history and culture of the region were impossibly complex, incomprehensible. The stereotype furnished a convenient excuse for those who wished to acquiesce in the organized aggression and crimes and the country and its people.

This short book is the clearest, most accessible account of Bosnian culture, history, and identity available in English. It should be the first book read in any discussion of Bosnia. Each phase of history--from the medieval period to the tragic wars and genocide of 1992-1995--is depicted with concision, humanity, and depth. The writing is lucid and the stunning black-and-white photo-illustrations are integrated with care and sensitivity into the narrative. Recommended not only for those interested in Bosnia-Herzegovina only, but for those interested in European history, East-West relations, and the dynamic of religion, culture, and identity; i.e. to both specialists in the Balkans and to the wide readership of those interested in history and culture anywhere.

The reader will emerge with a sense not of incomprehensibility, but of the richness, vitality, and uniqueness of an extraordinary place and people.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, December 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bosnia: A Cultural History (Hardcover)

An exceptional book, from an exceptional writer. Not that many people understand all the intricacies of Bosnain culture like Ivan Lovrenovic does. Simply, one of the best books you can read about often misunderstood Bosnia.