The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine – Serhii Plokhy

The Gates of Europe by Serhii Plokhy delivers a sweeping, authoritative narrative of Ukraine’s history—from the arrival of Vikings in the 10th century to the annexation of Crimea and current conflict in Eastern Ukraine. A Harvard-educated historian, Plokhy weaves together human stories, strategic power shifts, and cultural resilience to showcase a nation repeatedly caught at the crossroads of empires.

Renowned for its clarity and depth, the book has been praised by The Economist for its “elegant and careful exposition,” while The Times lauded it as “a fast-moving... strong rebuttal of the arrogant assumptions of the Putin court”. A New York Times bestseller and essential read for anyone seeking to understand Eastern Europe’s past and present dynamics, this Penguin paperback edition was published in December 2016 and offers 432 pages of compelling, accessible history.