The Cossack Myth (New Studies in European History)

by Serhii Plokhy

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Book Overview: The Cossack Myth (New Studies in European History)

In the years following the Napoleonic Wars, a mysterious manuscript began to circulate among the dissatisfied noble elite of the Russian Empire. Entitled The History of the Rus’, it became one of the most influential historical texts of the modern era. Attributed to an eighteenth-century Orthodox archbishop, it described the heroic struggles of the Ukrainian Cossacks. Alexander Pushkin read the book as a manifestation of Russian national spirit but Taras Shevchenko interpreted it as a quest for Ukrainian national liberation and it would inspire thousands of Ukrainians to fight for the freedom of their homeland. Serhii Plokhy tells the fascinating story of the text’s discovery and dissemination unravelling the mystery of its authorship and tracing its subsequent impact on Russian and Ukrainian historical and literary imagination. In so doing he brilliantly illuminates the relationship between history, myth, empire and nationhood from Napoleonic times to the fall of the Soviet Union.

ISBN-13	97811074490399781107022102
ISBN-10	1107449030110702210X
Publisher	Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press
Publication Date	2014-07-312012
Edition	IllustratedIllustrated
Language	enen
Pages	408408
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“With its impressive source base, deep analysis, and thoughtful integration into comparative studies of empire, this book offers valuable insights for historians of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, as well as scholars interested in Ukrainian history and culture, eastern European historiography and comparative studies of empire.” — Rebecca Mitchell, Canadian Journal of History

“Serhii Plohky has written one of the most important and captivating monographs on modern Ukrainian history and the Ukrainian-Russian relationship to come out in recent years. For the general reader, the tome is cast as a fascinating search for clues that begins with numerous theories on the authorship, time of composition and purpose of the ‘History’ before Plohky elegantly lays out his own theories by taking the reader through the steps by which he came to his views.” — Frank Sysyn, The Russian Review

About the Author

Serhii Plokhy

Serhii Plokhy is a renowned historian and author, distinguished globally for his extensive work on the history of Eastern Europe. Currently, he holds the Mykhailo Hrushevsky Professorship of Ukrainian History at Harvard University, boasting an impressive academic career. Born in Ukraine, Plokhy is notably regarded for his profound insights into the region’s past, drawing from his personal background and professional expertise.

Plokhy has an array of widely acclaimed publications to his name, covering a comprehensive span of historical subjects from the origins of the Slavic nations to the Cold War era. Prominent works include “The Last Empire: The Final Days of the Soviet Union,” bestowed with the Lionel Gelber Prize, and “Chernobyl: The History of a Nuclear Catastrophe,” which earned the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction.

Plokhy’s blend of captivating storytelling and meticulous research has not only won him numerous awards, but has also cemented his relevance in contemporary discussions on Eastern Europe’s role in global history. His contribution to the understanding of the region’s complex history positions him as an essential figure in history and literature. His works are not just an intriguing read for history enthusiasts, but also vital resources for academics and policy makers alike.