Croatia – A History – From Revolution to Independence

by Robin Harris

The new book by Robin Harris, " A History. From Revolution to Independence," is written as a synthesis of modern and contemporary Croatian history, covering the period from the mid-19th century to the creation of the modern Croatian state. Although one might expect such a synthesis to rely primarily on available literature, this book is largely based on the author's own research and insights into various aspects of the issues addressed within it. When existing literature is used, the author does not merely convey or summarize its content; instead, he approaches the subject matter critically and analytically, thereby arriving at new understandings of the topics he discusses. It is difficult to enumerate briefly all the topics Harris covers in this extensive synthesis in English, but it should be highlighted and reiterated that this is an excellent work. It addresses all the significant aspects of Croatian historical development from the mid-19th century to the creation of the modern Croatian state in a well-founded, objective, and critical manner. “Deeply researched, critical, and lucidly written, this is a major work. Robin Harris combines the skills of a highly accomplished historian …with the expertise of a first-hand witness to high politics... Everyone interested in the modern history of south-east Europe will benefit from reading this book.” Noel Malcolm, All Souls College, Oxford, author of A Short History *** “This is an excellent work. It addresses all the significant aspects of Croatian historical development from the mid-nineteenth century to the creation of the modern Croatian state in a well-founded, objective, and critical manner”. Miroslav Akmadža, Director of the Croatian Institute of History, author of Franjo Kuharić – kardinal i vlast (“Franjo Kuharić – Cardinal and Power”) *** “Robin Harris has surpassed himself.... In this compelling tour de force Harris shows that Croatia's history is fundamentally western, with all the pluses and minuses that entails”. Brendan Simms, Professor of the History of European International Relations, Cambridge, author of Unfinest Britain and the Destruction of Bosnia *** “…The scale and authority of this study places this book at the head of current literature on the history of Croatia.” David Abulafia, Professor Emeritus of Mediterranean History, Cambridge, author of The Great A Human History of the Mediterranean

592 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2024

About the author

Robin Harris studied at Oxford University, won the Gibbs Prize, and obtained a DPhil in modern history. In the 1980s he served in various political and governmental capacities, including as a member of Margaret Thatcher's Number Ten Policy Unit, and in later years turned to free-lance journalism and to writing works of history and biography.

Among his books are Valois Guyenne: A Study of Politics, Government and Society in Late Medieval France (1994), Dubrovnik – A History (2003), The Conservatives – A History (2011), Not for Turning – The Life of Margaret Thatcher (2013), Stepinac – His Life and Times (2016). He now lives in Zagreb and is currently writing a history of modern Croatia.