Along Ukraine's River
A Social and Environmental History of the Dnipro
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Central European University Press
Published:31st Mar '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£56.00(9789633862049)
The River Dnipro (formerly better known by the Russian name of Dnieper) is intimately linked to the history and identity of Ukraine. Cybriwsky discusses the history of the river, from when it was formed and its many uses and modifications by human agencies from ancient times to the present.
From key vantage points along the river’s course—its source in western Russia, through Belarus and Ukraine, to the Black Sea—interesting stories shed light on past and present life in Ukraine. Scenes set along the river from Russian and Ukrainian literature are evoked, as well as musical compositions and works of art. Topics include the legacy of the region’s cultural ancestors as the Kyivan Rus, the period of Cossack dominion, the epic battles for the river’s bridges in World War II, the building of dams and huge reservoirs by the Soviet Union, and the crisis of Chornobyl (Chernobyl). The author argues that the Dnipro and the farmlands along it are Ukraine’s chief natural resources, and that the country's future depends on putting both to good use.
Written without academic pretence in an informal style with dashes of humor, Along Ukraine's River is illustrated with original line drawings, maps, and photographs.
"Cybriwsky’s book is a passionate plea for a sound environmental policy, ecological education, and development of tourism on and around the river, which is so 'wonderfully positioned to show off the country’s scenery, history, culture, and cities.' He is confident that 'Ukraine’s future is tied closely to the future of Ukraine’s River' and that Ukraine’s professed European course cannot be achieved without adopting European standards of air and water quality, recycling, pollution control, and responsible ecological behavior. Considering both the practical and symbolic significance of the Dnipro for Ukraine and Ukrainians, restoring the river, the author argues, 'should become a national crusade.' The book is really a pioneer work on the topic, and can be praised as informative, competent, well-structured, and wellstocked with apt facts and interpretations of rather complex phenomena and developments. It could serve as a valuable reference book or even a guidebook. The author, a professor of geography and urban studies at Temple University, is well aware of the complexity of the genre that he has chosen, and of the high standards established by some of the authors he acknowledges in the preface." * Transitions Online *
"Along Ukraine’s River not only describes the geography of the Dnipro River, which cuts through Ukraine’s heartlands, but also takes a deep dive into Ukrainian history, society, and soul. Like the best books often do, it helps the reader structure and combine fragmented information about Ukraine in a new way and better understand the interlinkages between historical events, the special characteristics of the Ukrainian environment, and the nation’s mentality. Despite its sad undertone, Cybriwsky’s book is also a great travel book written with humour and a lovely personal touch. Six years after its publication, the themes of Cybriwsky’s book are more relevant than ever." https://www.londonukrainianreview.org/posts/review-roman-adrian-cybriwsky-along-ukraines-river -- Marjukka Porvari * London Ukrainian Review *
ISBN: 9789633861318
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 338g
248 pages