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Borderlines

A History of Europe in 29 Borders

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Borderlines

By: Lewis Baston
Narrated by: Richard Attlee
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About this listen

 The history of Europe told through twenty-nine key borders that define the past, present and future of our continent

A Rest is History Book of the Month - 'One of the most engaging and fascinating histories of Europe I've read for years.' DOMINIC SANDBROOK

In Borderlines, political historian Lewis Baston journeys along twenty-nine key borders from west to east Europe. He examines how the map has been dramatically redrawn over the last century, from Ireland to Ukraine, and uncovers the fascinating and often bizarre histories of these border zones.

By taking us right to the edges of the continent, Borderlines reveals a hidden story of Europe. In these unexpected places we also glimpse hints of what might happen next. Does a better future lie ahead for Europe?

Praise for Borderlines:
'Thrillingly unique, knowledgeable, perceptive and profound' IAN DUNT
'An eye-opening read that combines Baston's travels along Europe's fault lines with incredible insights on how they got there in the first place.' KATJA HOYER
'Beautiful. A true gem... [his] unique take on human nature through the history and heritage of the borderlands ends up being deeply moving.' IRISH INDEPENDENT
'Extraordinarily perceptive and original' ANTHONY SELDON
'Refreshing and important' RAFAEL BEHR©2024 Lewis Baston Europe Politics & Government Stalin

Critic reviews

A wonderful book, and one of the most engaging and fascinating histories of Europe I've read for years. Roaming from the fields of Ireland to the towns of western Ukraine, Lewis Baston is the perfect guide, full of curiosity and insight. It turns a familiar story into something strange, surprising and often intensely moving. (DOMINIC SANDBROOK, author of WHO DARES WINS and co-host of THE REST IS HISTORY)
Highly original and insightful...Rich in history and memorable anecdotes, this is an ambitious and affectionate attempt to describe the glorious complexity and diversity of Europe. (PD SMITH)
All stars
Most relevant
An educational voyage inside and outside of current and historical bordering nations. Well read and produced, this brilliantly written and accessible account is a must for all geopolitical addicts.

Wonderful and insightful

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Clearly sets out a very complicated and sometimes bloody history of Europe.
Take away quote?
“There is no situation that cannot be made worse by an Englishman arriving with a map and pencil”

Fascinating and complex

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A very interesting and revealing history. More than ever an important story of where we came from and what our European future may be.

Deeply interesting and revealing

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Brilliantly told, very well written and narrated.

Superb account of the history and culture of the borderlands.

One of the best books I’ve ever listened to.

Brilliantly told, very well written.

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Really insightful and interesting. An excellent look at the human aspect of European borders. Particularly relevant in current times.

Very well researched

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