Few people understand Balkan history, despite the region being a mainstay of our news for the last decade; this is understandable, for the topic is a complicated one, combining issues of religion, politics and ethnicity. The following selection mixes general histories of the Balkans with studies concentrating on particular regions.
1. The Balkans by Mark Mazower
Slim, cheap, but incredibly useful, this book is the perfect introduction to Balkan history. Mazower takes a broad sweep, discussing the geographical, political, religious and ethnic forces that have been active in the region, while destroying many 'western' preconceptions. The book also delves into some broader discussions, such as continuity with the Byzantine world.
2. The Balkans 1804 - 1999: Nationalism, War and the Great powers by Misha Glenny
The Balkans is a media favourite, having received praise from many publications: all of it is deserved. Glenny explains the region's tangled history in a necessarily dense narrative, but his style is vigorous and his register suitable for all ages. Every major theme is discussed at some stage, and particular attention is paid to the changing role of the Balkans in Europe as a whole.3. The Palgrave Concise Historical Atlas of the Balkans by D. P. Hupchick
This collection of 52 colour maps, covering themes and peoples from 1400 years of Balkan history, would make an ideal companion to any written work, and a solid reference for any study. The volume includes contextual maps of resources and basic geography, as well as accompanying texts.4. A History of the Balkans, 1804-1945 by S. K. Pavlowitch
Occupying the middle ground between Misha Glenny's large book (pick 2) and Mazower's short one (pick 1), this is another quality narrative discussion, covering a key 150 years in Balkan history. As well as the larger themes, Pavlowitch covers individual states and the European context in his highly readable style.5. History of the Balkans Vol 1: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries by Jelavich
Although not huge, this volume is fairly expensive, and best suited to those already committed to a study (or just pursuing a firm interest) in the Balkans. The central focus is national identity, but more general subjects are also considered. The second volume deals with the twentieth century, especially the Balkan and Second World wars, but concludes with the 1980's.6. Yugoslavia - A Concise History by Leslie Benson
Given the complexity of Yugoslavia's recent history, you would be forgiven for feeling that a concise version was impossible, but Benson's excellent book, which includes events as recent as Milosevic's arrest in mid 2001, clears away some of the old historiographical cobwebs and provides an excellent introduction to the country's past.7. Imagining the Balkans by Maria N. Todorova
Aimed at the mid-to-higher level student and the academic, Todorova's work is another general history of the Balkan region, this time with a focus on national identity in the region.8. Yugoslavia as History 2nd edition by J. R. Lampe
While I recommend this book to anyone interested in Yugoslavia, I also urge anyone in doubt as to either the value, or practical application, of history to read it. Lampe discusses Yugoslavia's past in relation to the country's recent collapse, and this second edition includes extra material on the Bosnian and Croatian wars.9. Lawful Revolution by Istvan Deak
The focus of this book is Hungary's revolution of 1848 and, more importantly, its leader, Louis Kossuth. Deak's book mixes details of the rebellion with the consequences for the Hungarian national consciousness, combining ideologies, politics and the hero worship of Kossuth.10. Concise History of Bulgaria by R. J. Crampton
Often overlooked in a region where Romania, and now the former Yugoslavian states, dominate the Western consciousness, Bulgaria (and the Bulgarians) have a long and fascinating history. This text provides a solid introduction to both the country, and the people.