Between Serb and Albanian: A History of Kosovo

by Miranda Vickers

Little notice has been paid to the growing ethnic and religious tensions within the Serbian province of Kosovo-tensions that now pose a serious threat to the security of the Balkans. Miranda Vickers explores the roots of this conflict, and tracks the recent trajectory of Serbian and Albanian relations in Kosovo. The first third of the book outlines the history of Kosovo during the medieval and Ottoman periods, when relations between the two communities were generally good. The second part of the book examines Kosovo since 1945, when the area fell under Serbian administration in the socialist Yugoslav system. Vickers concludes by surveying the steady deterioration in Serb-Albanian relations since the disintegration of Yugoslavia in 1981. With careful detail, she reveals how a largely peaceful, politically driven campaign for the independence of Kosovo has recently turned to violence with terrorist attacks on Serb political and military institutions, on Albanians thought to be collaborating with the Serbs, and on Serbs themselves. In the process, the author provides a balanced account of the Serb and Albanian positions, while placing much of the blame for the current situation on the repressive policies of Serb dictator Slobodan Milosevic.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Conor Donadio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Densest book I’ve read in a long while that I enjoyed the whole way. Knowing very little about the history the amount of names and places I didnt know or would struggle to try to pronounce was seemingly unlimited. I learned a lot about the greater Balkan region and how a state can slowly become separated from its ethnic centers. First book I got from the library that I was a bit sad to return, we were on one hell of a journey together and it definitely went slower than I thought it would but when you search Albania in Denver public libraries and this is the first history book, you read it.

[Ronald Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive history of Kosovo, beginning with some of the earliest historical references and ending with the tense situation there in 1997. The paragraphs throughout were packed with information, though so well written that it was, for the most part, smooth reading with the salient points easily noted.

The author’s recounting of recent events in the region seemed neutral and dispassionate. However, she did not avoid addressing the emotions of those involved in the drama. While she focused primarily on Kosovo, this book has greatly enhanced my understanding of the creation, existence, and demise of Yugoslavia.

[Andrew Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty reliable as a source, good scholarship though the writing style is a little clunky. There are clearer books out there if this is your first read on this topic, but if you are doing research this is pretty good.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent overview on the tensions of Kosovo, the country that isn't allowed its independence.