Laboratory of Modernity: Ukraine between Empire and Nation, 1772–1914

by Serhiy Bilenky

When the powers of Europe were at their prime, present-day Ukraine was divided between the Austrian and Russian empires, each imposing different political, social, and cultural models on its subjects. This inevitably led to great diversity in the lives of its inhabitants, shaping modern Ukraine into the multiethnic country it is today.Making innovative use of methods of social and cultural history, gender studies, literary theory, and sociology, Laboratory of Modernity explores the history of Ukraine throughout the long nineteenth century and offers a unique study of its pluralistic society, culture, and political scene. Despite being subjected to different and conflicting power models during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Ukraine was not only imagined as a distinct entity with a unique culture and history but was also realized as a set of social and political institutions. The story of modern Ukraine is geopolitically complex, encompassing the historical narratives of several major communities – including ethnic Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Russians – who for centuries lived side by side. The first comprehensive study of nineteenth-century Ukraine in English, Laboratory of Modernity traces the historical origins of some of the most pressing issues facing Ukraine and the international community today.

Genres: History, Ukraine

624 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2023

Reviews

[Peter Podbielski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serhiy Bilenky, a research associate at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta, has published the first English interdisciplinary history of modern Ukraine through the prism of global modernity.

Laboratory of Modernity is a history of Ukraine during the long nineteenth century, providing a unique study of its pluralistic society, culture, and political scene. This comprehensive examination of nineteenth-century Ukraine traces the historical origins of several pressing issues facing Ukraine and the international community today. This monumental work showcases Bilenky's conceptualization and synthesis. He paints a vivid picture of Ukrainians' intellectual, social, economic, and political life on both sides of the Russian/Austrian border during the long nineteenth century.

Having read and studied Polish and Russian histories, I believe the Laboratory of Modernity should be compulsory for anyone interested in studying empire and nationality in Russian history. This history provides context for understanding the respective histories of East and Central Europe.

[Vittorio Pelemeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent. best in its class. worthy successor of Plokhy. can't wait to wade into his other two books.