This book was first published in 1970. Its purpose can best be described by the author himself. In his original preface he writes, 'This book is intended as an introductory study of the political development over the last century and a half of the lands between Germany and Italy in the west and Russia in the east. It is therefore primarily concerned with six countries in Eastern Europe as constituted today: Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Roumania and Yugoslavia. Since history in the broadest sense is no respecter of frontiers the narrative trespasses at times beyond the strict geographical limits of this region, but events in Germany, Austria and the northern and southern fringe are considered only in relation tot he central theme - the fate of the peoples in the central borderland and their response to the recurrent menace to independence offered by their more powerful neighbours.' Alan Palmer's pedigree for writing on this subject could hardly be more impressive. Not only do his own many titles on European history (many reissued in Faber Finds) testify to his excellence but he also, in his early days, worked with C. A.

Macartney, one of the greatest of all historians on Eastern Europe. The result here is a book of impressive but accessible scholarship. 'A magnificent work cof scholarship and fascinating to read from cover to cover.' Graham Wade, Tribune 'An interesting and well written introduction to a very complex subject.' Times Literary Supplement.