A new book about Ukraine and its people has been published by author Peter Shirt. We’ve not had chance to read it (our copy is currently on order) but it looks as though it could be a useful guide to anybody wishing to know more about the country.
Here’s the official press release and ordering information:
Largely unknown to outsiders, Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe and the richest in natural resources. For centuries considered to be part of Russia, and until recently part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has always been deprived of her own voice.
Among the Ukrainians provides that voice. It is a journey to Ukraine’s cities and regions — by rail, road, and river — to meet ordinary people who offer extraordinary insights into their lives. Here, you’ll experience the purgatory of the bathhouse and the pleasures of the prostitute’s bedroom. You’ll encounter life at the coalface and in the decrepit hospitals, tour rat-infested submarine facilities and taste wines from the cellars of the Tsars.
Along the way you’ll unearth the country’s rich history. Among the many men and women you’ll encounter are those who discovered X-rays and antibiotics, put the first man in space, won the most Olympic medals, designed continental Europe’s first computer and the world’s first helicopter, and wrote some of the best prose. You will even meet the man who provided the inspiration for the fictional character, “James Bond.”
Bursting with anecdotes and information not found elsewhere Among the Ukrainians offers a unique insight into a nation under construction. It is your guide to Russia’s neighbour: a barely known land with a big history and a big heart.
About the Author
The author is English and was educated at Oxford University. He travelled through the Soviet Union nearly 30-years ago, and after visiting more than 130 countries – working in the majority of them – he settled in Ukraine in 2005. With his family, Irina and two boys, Anton and Alexei, he bought a run-down house that was sorrowed by decades of negligence, and set about breathing new life into it.
Additional Information
Among the Ukrainians is published by The Laundry Press (+380 57 700 2428). The ISBN is 978-0-9565129-0-1.
The book has a dedicated website – http://amongtheukrainians.co.uk – where you’ll find excerpts of all the chapters, background about the author, and a blog. The book is available via all Amazon international sites and other online retailers for £9.99 (US$ 15.95) or from any good bookstore.