Yugoslavism : Histories of a Failed Idea, 1918-1992

by Dejan Djokić

"Eighty years after his death, the legend of Ernest Shackleton and the extraordinary story of the Endurance South Pole expedition still hold a compelling grip on the public imagination." "Despite failing to realize his dream of reaching the South Pole, Shackleton's story lives on because of his unique qualities of leadership and the fact that all his men survived. This compelling narrative reveals the profound influence of Shackleton's Irish and Quaker roots, offering a vivid portrait of a man whose ambition, was tempered by his flawed humanity and egalitarianism. Here too are the untold stories of Shackleton's upbringing in Kildare; his time in the Merchant Navy; his 1901 voyage on the Discovery with Scott; his 1907 Nimrod expedition; his marriage and love affairs; his life as public figure and politician; and the haunting story of his final, fatal expedition on the Quest." "Drawing on family records, diaries and letters - and hitherto unpublished photographs and archive material - this mesmerizing biography takes us beyond the myth to Shackleton the man, for whom 'Optimism is true moral courage,' and whose greatest triumph was that of life over death." Shackleton: An Irishman in Antarctica, is lavishly illustrated with over a hundred photographs, maps and engravings, some of them appearing in print for the first time.

Genres: History, Politics

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2003

About the author

Professor Dejan Djokić is a historian.
Broadly speaking, his research spans across, and brings together, three main strands: the Yugoslav war; global and cultural history of the Cold War; and history of Southeastern Europe since the Middle Ages.

He is a Professor of History at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and Fellow at the Chair of Southeast European History at Humboldt University of Berlin.

Reviews

[Boris Cesnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have titled this collection of 'essays' differently, maybe the practice failed (more than once) but the idea(s) have failed, have been failing but probably not failed completely and forever.

Leaving this small criticism aside, the book left me with just a handful of useful information and some interesting histories which I would (and will) love to dig in further; but it failed in opening up my mind and knowledge completely.

Some essays were so detailed, they only managed to create confusion.
Others were too superficial and blindsided that it was hard to read them willingly and openly.

On top of this, the research in many of these essays was so academic, bland and dry that did not push such a riveting idea through to my heart.

If you're looking for a collection of writings that can stir every part of your body I would recommend 'Why Bosnia? Writings on the Balkan War' edited by Rabia Ali & Lawrence Lifschultz.

[Anne Cupero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me so much. After visiting Croatia and Serbia this summer, I wanted to know more about what made the Balkans so mysterious. I have read several other books and have more to do, but this gave me perspectives from the people themselves, the intellectuals of these regions.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book would have benefited from more thorough editing; many of the essays distractingly reflect Slavic-speakers' difficulties with the use of English articles. That said, the contributions are almost uniformly superior in intellectual quality, both erudite and reflective. If nothing else, Aleksa Djilas' Funeral Oration for Yugoslavia is worth the price of admission all by itself. Highly recommended for both experts and those with a more casual interest in 20th Century, European, or intellectual history.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aleksa Dlilas's closing chapter is the highlight of this book for me. Elsewhere, despite the presentation of much interesting material, the language editing is so lacking that it makes reading a chore rather than the joy it should be.