The History Book Club discussion

This is a thread which lists the countries in Europe

List of countries in Europe

Europe is a unique continent, which is not surrounded by water from all directions, and has an overland border with the neighbouring Asia.

Physiographically, it occupies the northwestern part of the large landmass known as Eurasia and surrounded from the north by the Arctic Ocean, from the west by the Atlantic Ocean, from the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and from the southeast by the Black Sea.

Definition of correct border between two continents was a big question for geographers and politicians.

Nowadays it is commonly delineated by the Ural Mountains in Russia, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains.

Totally now Europe includes 51 independent states.

Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey are the transcontinental countries, partially located in both Europe and Asia.

Armenia and Cyprus politically are considered European countries, through geographically they are located in the West Asia territory.

Europe's largest country is Russia (37% of total continent area) and the smallest one is Vatican City, which occupies only a small area in the center of Rome.

The most visited travel destination in this region is France with its capital Paris as the best place of interest, followed by Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany.

Alphabetical list of countries in Europe

A

Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan

B

Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria

C

Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic

D

Denmark

E
Estonia

F

Finland
France

G
Georgia
Germany
Greece

H

Hungary

I

Iceland
Ireland
Italy

K

Kazakhstan
Kosovo

L
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg

M

Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro

N

Netherlands
Norway

P

Poland
Portugal

R

Romania
Russia

S

San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

T

Turkey

U

Ukraine
United Kingdom

V

Vatican City (Holy See)

Source for above posts: https://www.countries-ofthe-world.com...

List of European Countries by Population:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_...

Source: Wikipedia

List of sovereign states and dependent territories in Europe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_...

Source: Wikipedia

Countries of Europe by Region:

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld...

Source: Wikipedia

The Countries of Europe Game - lots of fun

http://www.purposegames.com/game/coun...

The Crown Dependencies: What Exactly Are They?, By Seth Jackson
Submitted by Martin W. Lewis on September 19, 2012 – 9:18 pm



We often hear that the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey are not part of the United Kingdom, but are instead classified as Crown
Dependencies.

The question then arises about the possession of their sovereignty. If the U.K. doesn’t maintain sovereignty over the islands, who then does? Is the Crown a separate entity from the U.K.? If the Crown Dependencies are outside the territorial scope of the U.K., then why are they not considered to be independent countries in their own right?

Sovereignty over the Crown Dependencies and the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Indeed, the reigning monarch is the Sovereign. All powers of sovereignty symbolically emanate from his or her person. The Government of the United Kingdom is formed in his or her name, and likewise the autonomous governments of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands operate and function in the name of the Sovereign.

Each government defines the Crown differently. The Isle of Man describes it as the “Crown in right of the Isle of Man” and declares it as separate from the “Crown in right of the United Kingdom.” Jersey defines it as the “Crown in right of Jersey”, whereas Guernsey does so as the “Crown in right of the république of the Bailiwick of Guernsey”. Likewise each of the 16 independent Commonwealth realms defines the Crown in a similar fashion, such as the “Crown in right of Canada” and the “Crown in right of Tuvalu”.

As a result, the Sovereign, currently Elizabeth II, is officially known by different titles in each jurisdiction, such as Queen of the United Kingdom, Queen of Canada, and Queen of Tuvalu. In the Crown Dependencies, her titles are more unusual. She is the Lord of Mann while in or acting on behalf of the Isle of Man, and in the Channel Islands she is known as the Duke of Normandy. She is perhaps the only woman to hold the titles of Lord and Duke, as opposed to the female equivalents of Lady and Duchess.

Is there one crown that represents all the Commonwealth realms and its dependencies, or does each realm and dependency have its own separate, unique crown? In other words, is Elizabeth II queen of 16 realms, or is she simultaneously 16 different queens? The Statute of Westminster 1931 granted each realm its own crown that is a separate legal personality from that of any other crown. However, does this mean the “Crown in right of the Isle of Man” is a separate legal entity from that of the “Crown in right of the United Kingdom”? It seems that the answer is “no”: the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey are dependent upon the British Crown, or the “Crown in the right of the United Kingdom”, but this in no way implies that they are part of the United Kingdom.

This seems to suggest that the independent country of the United Kingdom is really only a subset of something larger – the British Crown. The Crown contains within it the sovereignty of four national governments: the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey. In addition, the U.K. itself consists of four non-sovereign yet increasingly autonomous countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), as well as several overseas territories. Perhaps the relationships of the Crown Dependencies to the United Kingdom most closely resemble those of states in free association, such as the relationship of the Cook Islands and Niue to New Zealand.

The Crown Dependencies are outside the European Union, and have limited engagement in international organizations. However, as the economies of the Crown Dependencies have grown the last several decades, especially in the financial sector, there have been elevated discussions on how to define their individual “external personalities” within the international community. Will this eventually result in a change of their political status as Crown Dependencies? We shall see.

How does one interpret the sovereignty of the Crown Dependencies and their place within the British Crown? The question is not easily answered. Although conventional opinion regards the global geopolitical community as a straightforward assemblage of mutual recognized sovereign states, the actual situation is vastly more complicated.

Notes

1. There are some who claim Orkney and Shetland are Crown Dependencies, or more specifically Crown Trust Dependencies, and are not legally part of Scotland or the United Kingdom, owing to their history of being pawned by King Christian I of Denmark to King James III of Scotland in 1468/9, as security against the dowry in the marriage of Christian’s daughter to James III. The assertion is that this act of pawning did not transfer sovereignty, as the pawn can technically be redeemed (although previous attempts to do so have been unsuccessful), and as such, the islands have remained a trust asset of the Crown ever since. The islands were openly recognized as Scottish Crown Dependencies prior to the Acts of Union 1707, when the independent Kingdoms of Scotland and England joined together to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. Today, there is a movement for greater autonomy for the islands, with the small Shetland island of Forvik going so far as to declare itself a Crown Dependency in 2008, and an independent country in 2011.

2. The Sovereign is also the lord paramount of all soil in the United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies. The Crown assumes title through the process of escheatment of any lands that are declared to have no other owner, such as in cases of bankruptcy or the dissolution of companies.

3. However, since Canada and Australia are both federations, each province and state has a direct relationship with the Crown as well.

4. We often hear Elizabeth II titled the “Queen of England”, but this term is inaccurate. The Kingdom of England ceased to exist with the Acts of Union 1707, when England and Scotland merged their kingdoms to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. Later, following the merging with the Kingdom of Ireland in 1801, it became known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and finally, when three-fourths of Ireland seceded and formed the Irish Free State in 1922, the U.K. gained its current name: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Presently, Elizabeth II is known as the Queen of the United Kingdom while representing that realm.

5. Although, Queen Victoria was styled as the Lady of Mann during her reign.

6. The Queen is also referred to as the Duke of Lancaster during formal settings in Lancashire, England or within her duties pertaining to the Duchy of Lancaster.

7. The United Kingdom, however, is responsible for the defense and foreign relations of the Crown Dependencies as matter of tradition and convention. Each dependency pays the U.K. an annual fee for these services

Source: http://www.geocurrents.info/geonotes/...

Queen and Crown dependencies



The Queen and the UK

The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not part of the United Kingdom, but are dependent territories of the English Crown.

Both have their own forms of self-administration, although the United Kingdom government is responsible for certain areas of policy.

The Queen has a special relationship with both Crown dependencies, and is known there by unique titles.

Channel Islands
Isle of Man

Source: http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Que...

There are territories within Europe as well - so we are adding this link too even though it is apropos in other parts of the world also:

British Overseas Territories

The fourteen British Overseas Territories (BOT) are territories under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom; they do not, however, form part of it. Instead, they are those parts of the former British Empire that have not chosen independence or have voted to remain British territories. While each has its own internal leadership, most being self-governing, they share the British monarch (Elizabeth II) as head of state.

The name "British Overseas Territory" was introduced by the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, replacing the name British Dependent Territory introduced by the British Nationality Act 1981. Prior to 1 January 1983, the territories were officially referred to as Crown colonies. With the exceptions of the British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (which host only officials and research station staff) and the British Indian Ocean Territory (used as a military base), the Territories retain permanent civilian populations. Permanent residency for the 7,000 or so civilians living in the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia is limited to citizens of the Republic of Cyprus.

Collectively, the Territories encompass a population of approximately 350,000 people and a land area of approximately 667,018 square miles (1,727,570 km2). The vast majority of this, 660,000 square miles (1,700,000 km2), constitutes the British Antarctic Territory.[3][4] The United Kingdom participates in the Antarctic Treaty System[5] and, as part of a mutual agreement, the British Antarctic Territory is recognised by four of the other sovereign nations making claims to Antarctic territory.

Although the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are also under the sovereignty of the British Crown, they are in a different constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.[6][7] The British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies are themselves distinct from the Commonwealth realms, a group of 15 independent countries (and the United Kingdom) each having Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning monarch, and from the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of 53 countries mostly with historic links to the British Empire (which also includes all Commonwealth realms).

The current minister responsible for the Territories is James Duddridge MP, of the Foreign Office. Gibraltar and the Sovereign Base Areas, however, are the responsibility of the Minister for Europe David Lidington MP, while the Falkland Islands are the responsibility of Hugo Swire MP, also of the Foreign Office.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_...

Commonwealth of Nations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwe...

Source: Wikipedia

Other Designations:

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk...

List of EU countries

The EU countries are:

Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus (the Greek part)
Denmark
Germany
Estonia
Finland
France
Greece
United Kingdom
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
Austria
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovenia
Slovakia
Spain
Czech Republic
Sweden

All other countries are considered by Customs to be a non-EU country.
The areas listed below are also considered by Customs to be a non-EU country.

Exceptional areas within the EU countries
Certain areas which are part of the EU customs territory, exceptional areas, are subject to special rules. These areas are:

Aland Islands (Finland)
Canary Islands (Spain)
Channel Islands (United Kingdom)
French overseas departments and territories, including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Reunion
Mount Athos (Greece)

These areas are subject to special rules concerning excise duty and turnover tax (VAT). Are you entering an EU-country from an exceptional area? Then an exemption of duties applicable to goods entering from a non-EU country is applicable to the goods you are bringing in.

More:
http://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm...

EU Membership Countries: - http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/m...

On the Road to Membership as an EU Country - but not an EU Country:
http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/o...

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_s...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European...

Schengen Visa Countries List
http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schen...

Other:

Countries in the EU and EEA
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 28 countries. It operates an internal (or single) market which allows free movement of goods, capital, services and people between member states.

EU countries
The EU countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The European Economic Area (EEA)
The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows them to be part of the EU’s single market.

Switzerland is neither an EU or EEA member but is part of the single market - this means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.

I think one of the most interesting possible government transfers of power occurred in the Principality of Monaco. Prior to 2002, if there was no heir to the House of Grimaldi, Monaco would be returned to France and lose its independence. That was finally struck down although France is still responsible for the military system in Monaco. It gave the expression "an heir and a spare" importance!

That is probably why the Prince of Monaco was so keen on Grace Kelly.

The tiny country of Liechtenstein has always fascinated me. It is the second richest country in the world and only covers approximately 61 square miles.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, officially the Principality of Liechtenstein (Listeni/ˈlɪktənstaɪn/; German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein, German pronunciation: [ˈfʏʁstn̩tuːm ˈlɪçtn̩ʃtaɪn]),[6] is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate in Central Europe.[7] It is a constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. It has an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and an estimated population of 35,000. Divided into 11 municipalities, its capital is Vaduz and largest town Schaan.

Economically, Liechtenstein has the highest gross domestic product per person in the world when adjusted by purchasing power parity.[8] It is also the 2nd richest (by measure of GDP per capita) country in the world, after Qatar, and has one of the lowest unemployment rates at 1.5%.

An alpine country, Liechtenstein is mainly mountainous, making it a winter sports destination. Many cultivated fields and small farms are found both in the south (Oberland, upper land) and north (Unterland, lower land). The country has a strong financial sector centered in Vaduz, and has been identified as a tax haven. It is a member of the European Free Trade Association and part of the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area, but not of the European Union.

To read the entire article, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liechten...

Thank you Jill

All you need to know!!

Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction

by John McCormick(no photo)

Synopsis:

John McCormick's Understanding the European Union provides a uniquely broad-ranging but concise introduction to the EU, covering in one volume all major aspects of European integration. The third edition is systematically revised and updated throughout reflecting the major changes brought about by the 2004 enlargement round. It also includes a full assessment of the EU constitution, the impact of the Euro, and much expanded coverage of EU policies and policy making

This book describes just how close Hitler came to invading Britain. The occupation of the Channel Islands was too close for comfort.

The German Occupation Of The Channel Islands

by Charles Greig Cruickshank (no photo)

Synopsis:

The official history of the German occupation of the Channel Islands, this book is based on previously untapped sources of information, including papers from Government departments, the Island’s own wartime files, as well as files left behind by the Feldkommandantur in Guernsey and Jersey. Dr. Cruickshank provides a full account of the German invasion, the subsequent landings of various British agents, raids, and of an attempt to psychological warfare to end the Occupation. He also looks at how the islanders and Wehrmacht lived, the reality of collaboration with the occupying powers, and the extent of support for the Resistance. The significance of this episode in the history of World War II, which the Germans saw as their first conquest of British soil and a springboard to further occupation of British territory, is essential reading for anyone interested in the war.

Since many countries merge, split, or just decide to change their name, there are many "missing" countries in Europe that no longer exist. This list is far from comprehensive, but it's meant to serve as a guide to some of the most well-known missing countries of today.

Austria-Hungary: A monarchy (also known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire) that was established in 1867 and included not just Austria and Hungary, but also parts of the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Romania, and the Balkans. The empire collapsed at the end of World War I.

Catalonia: This autonomous region of Spain was independent from 1932-1934 and 1936-1939.

Corsica: This Mediterranean island was ruled by various nations over the course of history but had several brief periods of independence. Today, Corsica is a department of France.

Czechoslovakia: Peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

East Germany and West Germany: Merged in 1989 to form a unified Germany.

Prussia: Became a Duchy in 1660 and a kingdom in the following century. At its greatest extent it included the northern two-thirds of Germany and western Poland. Prussia, by World War II a federal unit of Germany, was fully disbanded at the end of World War II.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR): Broke into fifteen new countries in 1991: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldovia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Urjanchai Republic: South-central Russia; independent from 1912 to 1914.

Yugoslavia: The original Yugoslavia divided up into Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Slovenia in the early 1990s.

(Source: About Education)

Thank you Jill

We seldom think of Iceland as part of Europe but it is and has become a burgeoning tourist destination. Explore the country through this book.

Iceland

by Andrew Evans (no photo)

Synopsis:

Exotic, yet conveniently close, Iceland attracts a majority of visitors from North America and the rest of Europe. With its colossal glaciers, vast lava flows and thundering waterfalls, the country’s primordial landscape awards visitors with unforgettable vistas and incredible trekking beneath the glowing northern lights. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an independent traveler on a budget, or a comfort-seeking tourist, author Andrew Evans shows you how to do it – ‘Icelander’ style – at this trendy, eco-friendly destination.

Jill wrote: "Since many countries merge, split, or just decide to change their name, there are many "missing" countries in Europe that no longer exist. This list is far from comprehensive, but it's meant to ser..."

I'm sorry, but Catalonia was never independent in modern times. The last time it was effectively independent from Spain was from 1640 to 1652, when the Catalans revolted against Philip IV of Spain and declared Louis XIII as the Count of Catalonia.

I got that information from a history site which obviously is incorrect. Sorry about that and thanks for the correction.

There's no problem, Jill! You're welcome!

One of the most intriguing areas of Europe are the Balkans.....constantly in turmoil. This book gives us a history of that troubled area.

The Balkans: Nationalism, War and the Great Powers

by Misha Glenny

Synopsis:

This unique and lively history of Balkan geopolitics since the early nineteenth century gives readers the essential historical background to recent events in this war-torn area. No other book covers the entire region, or offers such profound insights into the roots of Balkan violence, or explains so vividly the origins of modern Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania. Misha Glenny presents a lucid and fair-minded account of each national group in the Balkans and its struggle for statehood. The narrative is studded with sharply observed portraits of kings, guerrillas, bandits, generals, and politicians. Glenny also explores the often-catastrophic relationship between the Balkans and the Great Powers, raising some disturbing questions about Western intervention.

Many people do not realize that Vatican City is an independent nation unto itself and the smallest in the world.

Modern Nations of the World: The Vatican City

by Martha Capwell Fox (no photo)

Synopsis:

Vatican City is the world's smallest nation--less than half the size of New York City's Central Park. But this tiny city-state in the middle of Rome, the spiritual and temporal center of the Roman Catholic Church, wields power and influence equal to the mightiest nations on earth. This book traces the 2000-year history of the Vatican, from ancient Rome to the 21st century, and looks at how it evolved from a tiny Christian shrine into one of the world's greatest museums, and a major player in international affairs.

Thanks all.

Another of those tiny nations nestled in the larger geography of Europe.

San Marino



San Marino is an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy, situated on the Italian Peninsula on the north-eastern side of the Apennine Mountains. Its size is just over 61 km2 (24 sq mi) and has an estimated population of about 32,000. Its capital is the City of San Marino and its largest city is Dogana. San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the Council of Europe.

San Marino claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arba. Legend has it that Marinus left Rab, then the Roman colony of Arba, in 257 when the future emperor, Diocletian, issued a decree calling for the reconstruction of the city walls of Rimini, which had been destroyed by Liburnian pirates.

San Marino is governed by the Constitution of San Marino (Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini), a series of six books written in Latin in the late 16th century, that dictate the country’s political system, among other matters. The country is considered to have the earliest written governing documents (constitution) still in effect.

The country's economy mainly relies on finance, industry, services and tourism. Despite having an extremely small economy for a nation state, it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP (per capita), with a figure comparable to the most developed European regions. San Marino is considered to have a highly stable economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, no national debt and a budget surplus. It is the only country with more vehicles than people.
(Source: Wikipedia)

We often think of Belgium and Luxembourg in tandem but tiny Luxembourg also suffered under the boot of the Nazis. This is an eye-witness account of that horror.

Surviving the Nazi Occupation of Luxembourg

by Marguerite Thill-Somin-Nicholson (no photo)

Synopsis

Early on the morning of May 10, 1940, twelve-year-old Marguerite Thill was awakened by the cries of her father warning the family that the Nazis were about to invade their country of Luxembourg. By that evening, Marguerite-Gretchen, as she was called-her three sisters, and their parents had donned several layers of clothing and left on foot, along with hundreds of others, to escape into France. This marked the beginning of an amazing odyssey.

I love looking at old maps, especially Europe and Africa. Go to this link to see what Europe looked like in 1900. Interesting.

http://www.euratlas.net/history/europ...

Interesting map but soon to change dramatically just as it did more recently with the breakup of the U.S.S.R. and Yugoslavia.

The maps of Africa are also amazing since it was mostly colonized and you had British East Africa, Belgian Congo, French Morocco, etc.. It is so interesting to see those major changes as countries gained their freedom.

Here is a quick reference to the tiny country of Andorra which is one of the jewels of Europe.
_____________________________________________

The Principality of Andorra is a sovereign landlocked microstate in Southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Created under a charter in A.D. 988, the present Principality was formed in A.D. 1278. It is known as a principality as it is a monarchy headed by two Co-Princes – the Spanish/Roman Catholic Bishop of Urgell and the President of France.

Andorra is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe, having an area of 468 km2 (181 sq mi) and a population of approximately 85,000. Its capital Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe, at an elevation of 1,023 metres (3,356 ft) above sea level. The official language is Catalan, although Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also commonly spoken.

Andorra's tourism services an estimated 10.2 million visitors annually. It is not a member of the European Union, but the euro is the de facto currency. It has been a member of the United Nations since 1993.[In 2013, the people of Andorra had the highest life expectancy in the world at 81 years, according to The Lancet.

(Source: Wikipedia)

It's a charming country, if small, which I passed through on my way from France to Spain.

An ancient country of which we know little as far as modern times are concerned.

Who Are the Macedonians?

by Hugh Poulton (no photo)

Synopsis:

This first full historical survey of the Balkan Slavic peoples of Macedonia concludes with Macedonia's emergence as an independent state in the face of Greek opposition and a discussion of the prospectsfor its entanglement in the ongoing Balkan war.

The title tells the reader that the book is a little dated but the Afterword adds information that brings it more up to date. Regardless, it gives us a look at the partition and the problems that arose.

Hostage to History: Cyrpus from the Ottomans to Kissinger

by Christopher Hitchens

Synopsis:

Journalist Christopher Hitchens examines events leading up to the partition of Cyprus and its legacy. He argues that the intervention of four major foreign powers Turkey, Greece, Britain, and the United States turned a local dispute into a major disaster. In a new Afterword, Hitchens reviews the implications of Cyprus's applications for European Union membership and more. 224 pp.

Thank you Jill for all of the adds to these folders.

The Maltese Cross: A Strategic History of Malta

by Dennis Castillo (no photo)

Synopsis

Malta is one of the smallest nations in the world, yet has one of the longest histories of any country. The accidents of geology and geography produced an island at the center of the Mediterranean with a large harbor and ample resources for the construction of fortifications. As a result, the Maltese bore witness to many of the great conflicts in world history, from the Punic Wars, to Napoleon's conquests, to the North African and Mediterranean campaigns during World War II.

Covering the entire sweep of the island's history, Castillo argues that not only was Malta's geographic location critical, its people played a crucial role in many of these struggles. The Maltese contributed largely to the defense of the islands when invaded by the Ottoman Turks in 1565, and the people rebelled against French rule after Napoleon evicted the Knights of Malta. During World War II, Malta became a strategic hub for the Allies' Mediterranean campaign, and the islands endured some of the most sustained and intensive bombing during the war-- up to 15 tons of bombs per square mile. Includes chapters on the Knights of Malta, the 1565 siege, Napoleon's invasion, Malta's role in World War II, and modern Malta.

Sounds interesting--and expensive. :-)

Recently the football team from Iceland made the semi-finals of the EUFA Europa 16 and suddenly the country was in the spotlight. Everyone loved them as they were such an underdog......now everyone wants to go to Iceland, just like the author of this book, me included!

Iceland, Defrosted

by Edward Hancox

Synopsis:

This is the story of one Englishman's obsession with a half-frozen, roughly duck-shaped island in the cold North Atlantic. 'Iceland, Defrosted' is less about wars over cod, flight-halting volcanoes and globe-shattering financiers, and more about relaxing in natural hot pots, sharing barbeques in howling winter storms and eating waffles and rhubarb jam while watching playful Arctic foxes. Oh, and desperately, desperately searching for the elusive Northern Lights (which might not exist anyway). Loosely based on a circuitous route around Iceland, it concentrates on places, people and experiences, soundtracked by the coolest Icelandic musicians, all wrapped up in the warmest lopapeysa and jump-started with the strongest coffee. It is a story that's almost a love letter, born from a constant yearning for this special place and fuelled by a growing understanding and a desire to uncover the real Iceland.

Estonia and the Estonians

by Toivo U. Raun (no photo)

Synopsis:

A comprehensive survey of Estonian history, placing recent events into historical perspective. The author analyzes the country's post-communist transition, its strategic geopolitical location, and the role of ethnic Estonians in shaping the history of the area.

These mysterious people arose in Europe but no one seems to know their country of origin. Interesting book that delves into the Gypsy life.

The Gypsies

by Angus Fraser (no photo)

Synopsis:

Since their unexplained appearance in Europe over nine centuries ago, the Gypsies have refused to fall in with conventional settled life. They remain a people whose culture and customs are beset with misunderstanding, and who cling to their distinct identity in the teeth of persistent rejection and pressure to conform. This book describes their history.

This looks like a good companion book to the one noted in the post above.

Role of the Romanies

by Nicholas Saul (no photo)

Synopsis:

Since the arrival of the "Gypsies," or Romanies, in Europe at the beginning of the eleventh century, Europeans have simultaneously feared and romanticized them. That ambiguity has contributed to centuries of confusion over the origins, culture, and identity of the Romanies, a confusion that too often has resulted in marginalization, persecution, and scapegoating.

The Role of the Romanies brings together international experts on Romany culture from the fields of history, sociology, linguistics, and anthropology to address the many questions and problems raised by the vexed relationship between Romany and European cultures. The book's first section considers the genesis, development, and scope of the field of Romany studies, while the second part expands from there to consider constructions of Romany culture and identity. Part three focuses on twentieth-century literary representations of Romany life, while the final part considers how the role of the Romanies will ultimately be remembered and recorded. Together, the essays provide an absorbing portrait of a frequently misunderstood people.