A sweeping narrative history of Eastern Europe from the late eighteenth century to todayIn the 1780s, the Habsburg monarch Joseph II decreed that henceforth German would be the language of his realm. His intention was to forge a unified state from his vast and disparate possessions, but his action had the opposite effect, catalyzing the emergen

"John Connelly has written a history of Eastern Europe that is vast in scope, yet rich in detail. The work of a skilled historian at the peak of his scholarly powers, From Peoples into Nations will no doubt be discussed and debated within the field—and beyond—for years to come."—Holly Case, author of The Age of Questions"John Connelly's From Peoples into Nations combines the sweep of grand narrative with revealing, often touching detail. Connelly writes with passion, verve, erudition, and insight and he offers a compelling answer to the key question in Eastern European history: why ethnic nationalism remains the organizing principle of politics and culture in a region where nationalism has produced such tragic consequences. I can't recommend it highly enough."—Michael Ignatieff, president and rector of Central European University, Budapest"In this powerful book, John Connelly makes sense of one of Europe's most complex regions for a new generation of readers. Often moving and always engaging, From Peoples into Nations will captivate both those familiar with old narratives about Eastern Europe and those looking for an introduction to the center of European political action and thought in the twentieth century."—Alison Frank Johnson, Harvard University"From Peoples into Nations is a consistently interesting and lively narrative from a terrific and highly engaging writer. Connelly does much more than just tell the story of the making of contemporary Eastern Europe. He is a master at helping us understand events through his interpretations."—Norman M. Naimark, author of Genocide: A World History "In this powerful synthesis of Eastern European history, John Connelly illuminates the region's common problems as well as its rich diversity. Everyone interested in Europe's past and present should read this book."—James J. Sheehan, Stanford University