Realm of the Black Mountain

'A fascinating book. It is the history of Montenegro from its origins as Zeta to its emergence in early modern times as a defiant, violent and romantic principality ruled by elected Prince-Bishops until, in the eighteenth century, the throne became hereditary. The centuries of warfare against the Ottomans are described in gripping detail. ... This is an extraordinary book, plainly written, scholarly yet gripping, that presents, through the lens of a tiny, almost forgotten country, a new way of seeing and understanding the great events of modern history.' * Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Spectator *
'Elizabeth Roberts, a former diplomat who has taught Balkan history, has filled [a gap]. Now that she has produced such a thorough book, future historians may not bother again: if one history was enough for the last century, perhaps one is enough for this century too.' * The Economist *
'an intelligent, readable and very important study. A historical book could hardly be more relevant for the future, perhaps for the near future, than this one.' * Aleksa Djilas *
'The need for an up-to-date study of Montenegrin history is self-evident. Elizabeth Roberts has provided a succinct, intelligent and readable account of this difficult and complex subject.' * Professor Richard Crampton, University of Oxford *