Balkan Ghosts focuses mainly on the period around the transition from Communism to independence, at least as a travel narrative. Included are many historical asides which shed light on how and why each Balkan country has ended up in its particular situation. Well-written, informative, little detectable bias, although at one or two points there are some highly charged statements about Ottoman rule.
The chapter on Greece is quite interesting, as I know very little about Greek politics, the various 20th century Greek wars (aside from Anatolia), the various coups and dictatorships. A real eyeopener in terms of how the country became such a mess. Worth exploring further.
An interesting source for off-beat travel information on the various countries. Of particular interest to me are Macedonia and Romania.
To find:
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon, Rebecca West
Judgement on Delchev, Eric Ambler
Crowds and Power, Elias Canetti
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