zed ’s review of Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin > Likes and Comments
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Ian wrote: "The so-called Baedeker Raids are not very well-known are they? I only first heard about them a few years ago when I read a novel called After the Bombing, which was partly set in Exeter in 1942. ..."
After Micheal Portillo had made mention, a good few years back now, I dived down the rabbit hole and had an explore and discovered that fact.
To me, it was like using Lonely Planet.
With your comment I am reminded for some reason the US bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade in 1999 in which they relied on outdated maps.
Looking forward to you review on Mao and China. Always a subject that interests me.
"Bloodlands" was coined by historian Timothy Snyder in this book.
I've since read it being applied to the region in Eastern Europe during WWI. The expanded use emphasizes an understanding of the region's historical violence, much of it rooted in ethnicity.
Great review, glad to hear you found the book interesting.
Snyder is one of the writers on twentieth century politics and war should be essential reading IMO.
I might have to add this one to my list Zed
I won't need to read any more reviews of this after your thoughtful summing-up, Zed. I have always believed in the need to pursue the lessons of history, although as I age (to use your expression) I feel that that it is cyclical, just in different frameworks and expressions.
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Ian wrote: "The so-called Baedeker Raids are not very well-known are they? I only first heard about them a few years ago when I read a novel called After the Bombing, which was partly set in Exeter in 1942. ..."After Micheal Portillo had made mention, a good few years back now, I dived down the rabbit hole and had an explore and discovered that fact.
To me, it was like using Lonely Planet.
With your comment I am reminded for some reason the US bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade in 1999 in which they relied on outdated maps.
Looking forward to you review on Mao and China. Always a subject that interests me.
"Bloodlands" was coined by historian Timothy Snyder in this book.I've since read it being applied to the region in Eastern Europe during WWI. The expanded use emphasizes an understanding of the region's historical violence, much of it rooted in ethnicity.
Great review, glad to hear you found the book interesting.
Snyder is one of the writers on twentieth century politics and war should be essential reading IMO.
I might have to add this one to my list Zed
I won't need to read any more reviews of this after your thoughtful summing-up, Zed. I have always believed in the need to pursue the lessons of history, although as I age (to use your expression) I feel that that it is cyclical, just in different frameworks and expressions.
Your question about the purpose of books like this is coincidental for me as I am currently reading a book about the Maoist takeover of China, and asking myself similar questions.