‘Both pioneering and fundamental. This is the essential history of Ukraine, from one of the greatest Ukrainian thinkers and scholars.’
Timothy Snyder #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of On Tyranny

‘Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak’s vivid, sweeping book lays bare the enduring pride that persuaded his countrymen to resist Russian aggression and offers grounds for hope.’
Luke Harding, Observer

‘People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity.’
John Adams

UKRAINE The Forging of a Nation delves into the events that led to the creation of Ukraine, examining crucial moments of Ukrainian and world history and how connected they have been, and continue to be, to this day.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world witnessed the ‘creative, freewheeling, darkly humorous, and deeply resilient society’ of contemporary Ukraine, and discovered more about a country with a history that is ‘exceptionally rich in examples of survival, solidarity and resilience.’

In this timely and original history, already a bestseller in Ukraine, Professor Yaroslav Hrytsak, Ukrainian intellectual and public historian, tells the sweeping story of his nation through a meticulous examination of the major events, conflicts and developments that have shaped it over the course of centuries, exploring Ukraine’s dramatic history, incredible fight for freedom and its place as an independent nation in our world today.

This book is a definitive story of Ukraine and its people, as told by one of its most celebrated voices.

‘Both pioneering and fundamental. This is the essential history of Ukraine, from one of the greatest Ukrainian thinkers and scholars.’
Timothy Snyder #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of On Tyranny

‘Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak’s vivid, sweeping book lays bare the enduring pride that persuaded his countrymen to resist Russian aggression and offers grounds for hope.’
Luke Harding, Observer

With ‘ambition and originality… [this it is written with both an] honesty and common sense that are the book’s trademark.’ Financial Times

‘People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity.’
John Adams

UKRAINE The Forging of a Nation delves into the events that led to the creation of Ukraine, examining crucial moments of Ukrainian and world history and how connected they have been, and continue to be, to this day.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world witnessed the ‘creative, freewheeling, darkly humorous, and deeply resilient society’ of contemporary Ukraine, and discovered more about a country with a history that is ‘exceptionally rich in examples of survival, solidarity and resilience.’

In this timely and original history, already a bestseller in Ukraine, Professor Yaroslav Hrytsak, Ukrainian intellectual and public historian, tells the sweeping story of his nation through a meticulous examination of the major events, conflicts and developments that have shaped it over the course of centuries, exploring Ukraine’s dramatic history, incredible fight for freedom and its place as an independent nation in our world today.

This book is a definitive story of Ukraine and its people, as told by one of its most celebrated voices.

‘History, stories, recipes and beautiful illustrations’ – OLINA HERCULES

‘Christmas brings the indestructibility of hope in times of the greatest hopelessness. As long as we celebrate this holiday, we can neither be defeated nor destroyed. This is the message that Ukraine is trying to convey to the world. And this is what our book is about.’

From Christmas music to gifts and food, as well as a look back through the country’s rich and troubled history through the perspective of the festive season, this beautifully illustrated and powerful book introduces readers to Ukraine’s unique Christmas traditions. In a country where East and West meet, this is a fascinating and unmissable guide to capturing the spirit of one of the most important times of year and a powerful reminder of the strength of holding on to your culture and beliefs, even as others try to take everything from you.

‘Sings of the independence of Ukraine yet ensures you feel the connecting hand of warmth, understanding, and friendship … So profoundly meaningful and powerful, A Ukrainian Christmas ensures that you never lose sight of the true meaning of these festivities and how important they are in the lives of so many people‘ – LOVEREADING

‘Richly illustrated … from Christmas music to gifts and food, it introduces readers to festive traditions followed in Ukraine’ – Caroline Sanderson, THE BOOKSELLER

The Publisher is making a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal on publication of this book.