Among the various “new” states that have emerged in Central Europe, Slovakia is rather special, for it almost did not make it. Long considered the poorer half of Czechoslovakia, it seemed destined to remain so until the historical evolution of the common state brought about different perspectives on the relations between the two components that resulted in a separation. This was achieved quickly and “gently,” although not without some unpleasantness and also uncertainty as to how well the Slovak Republic would do on its own. Since then, it has succeeded despite considerable difficulties. Some were economic, because the country had for so long been integrated in a larger economic space; others were political, as it sought a viable system and suitable leaders; and yet others were social or ethnic because Slovakia is not only the home of the Slovaks but also includes several minorities. Nonetheless, the present state is making a go of it, largely because it is not really “new” but has grown out of many older entities.
The Historical Dictionary of Slovakia takes a long view, as indeed it must, to cover the historically significant predecessors, some just tribal, others kingdoms, empires, and states in which it played a greater or (more often) lesser role. There is some emphasis on the brief experience of independence during World War II and the more promising venture that began in 1993. The dictionary section contains entries on all these earlier units and their leaders, as well as the present Slovak Republic and its leadership, including entries on outstanding personalities in various walks of life. Along with historical and political aspects, there is ample coverage of economic, social, cultural, and linguistic topics. The chronology makes it easy to trace the path from past to present, and the list of acronyms helps to decipher the documentation. The useful bibliography makes this volume a stepping stone for further research on the “new” and also the older Slovakia and indicates why Slovakia and the Slovaks deserve greater consideration in the literature than has been the case until recently.
This second edition was written by the same author as the first edition, Stanislav J. Kirschbaum, who was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, but raised and educated in Switzerland, Italy, France, and Canada, where he still lives and works. A specialist in Eastern European politics, especially of the not-so-remote Communist past, he has also delved into the earlier periods and the contemporary era. This broad and deep knowledge of Slovakia has been integrated in his teaching at York University in Toronto, where he is professor of international studies and political science, and more generally in numerous articles and books, the most relevant of which is A History of Slovakia: The Struggle for Survival, now in a second edition. The information Dr. Kirschbaum has amassed over a long and fruitful career is now available in a particularly handy form in this updated and expanded second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Slovakia.
Jon Woronoff
Series Editor