Reviews
Advance praise for In Europe's Shadow "A masterly work of important history, analysis, and prophecy about the ancient and modern rise of Romania as a roundabout between Russia and Europe. I learned something new on every page. Robert D. Kaplan is a master." --Tom Brokaw "A tour de force of cultural and political travel writing in which Romania's complex past and uncertain present become vivid and newly urgent." --Colin Thubron, author of Shadow of the Silk Road "Robert D. Kaplan has the remarkable ability to see over the geopolitical horizon, and he now turns his attention to Europe's marchlands--the former 'Greater Romania' lying between the Balkans and a resurgent Russia. In a triple journey through books, landscapes, and histories, he tackles the meaning of geography, the influence of intellectuals, and the daffiness--and power--of nationalism. A timely, insightful, and deeply honest book." --Charles King, professor of international affairs, Georgetown University, and author of Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul "For an appreciation of contemporary Romanian attitudes, Robert Kaplan's book has no equal. As an outsider yet within, the author offers an analysis of Romania that combines erudition and authority. His sparkling, suggestive reflections, drawing upon history and landscape, capture the DNA of the country and its inhabitants." --Dennis Deletant, Visiting Rațiu Professor of Romanian Studies, Georgetown University, and emeritus professor, University College London "A moving book--an illuminating and compassionate guide through the labyrinth of Romania's immensely convoluted and often traumatic past. In spite of the many dark, distressing moments that no one should ignore, the book conveys a sense of hope, promise, and continuous renewal." -- Vladimir Tismăneanu, professor of politics, University of Maryland, and author of The Devil in History: Communism, Fascism, and Some Lessons of the Twentieth Century "Kaplan illuminates the extraordinary journey of the people of Romania, as well as millions of other East Europeans, from the tragic Soviet despotism of the decades after the Second World War to their more hopeful and democratic future as members of NATO and the European Union in our own time. Kaplan's ability to weave together complex histories, religion, memory, and political thought is nearly unmatched in our country today." --Nicholas Burns, professor, Harvard Kennedy School, and former undersecretary of state for political affairs "Kaplan has been a favorite of mine for years. Kaplan is a thoughtful and insight-driven historian who writes clear and compelling prose, but what I like most about him is his political sophistication, very much in evidence in In Europe's Shadow . This book makes you look up and think about what's on the page--a true pleasure for the reader." -- New York Times bestselling author Alan Furst
