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Lead book review

Central Europe has shaped our culture for centuries – yet we still find the region baffling

Central Europe has shaped our history for centuries – but will the West always find it baffling, wonders Peter Frankopan

29 April 2023

9:00 AM

29 April 2023

9:00 AM

The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central Europe Martyn Rady

Allen Lane, pp.696, 30

It is easy to overlook the importance of Central Europe, writes Martyn Rady at the start of this fascinating book. For some modern writers the region is best typified by similarities, or differences, over postboxes, popular preferences for spirits over wine or ‘the heavy smell of boiled cabbage, state beer and a soapy whiff of overripe watermelons’.

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