Magocsi, Paul Robert. Historical Atlas of East Central Europe, A History of East Central Europe Volume I. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1993. (ISBN for paperback version is 0-295-97445-1 and sells for approximately $35.) Magocsi's book, the first in a substantial series studying East Central Europe, well functions as an introduction and quick reference guide to students of Central and Eastern Europe. Following chronological order, the work illustrates the political, administrative, and even certain religious changes in the region from 400 to 1992. Magocsi's analysis allows for understanding of both an individual nation and the region at specific eras. This work proves a valuable tool and should greatly aid individuals considering Central and Eastern European personas, especially Western and Southern Slavic personas. For the series, Magocsi's editors define the boundaries of East Central Europe by rather diplomatic methods: linguistically to the west, politically to the east, and geographically to the north and south. Thus, the East Central European region borders the Germanic and Italian speaking countries, the Russian Federation, and the Baltic and Mediterranean seas. By this given definition of East Central Europe, Magocsi analyzes the Albanians, Bulgarians, Czechs, Greeks, Magyars (Hungarians), Poles, Romanians, Slovaks, and the former Yugoslavian peoples. However, Magocsi takes liberty with the area and extends his scope to include Austria, Belarus, most of Germany, most of Italy, Lithuania, part of Latvia, Moldova, the western most of Russia (primarily Kaliningrad), western Turkey, and most of Ukraine. By this liberal interpretation, Magocsi examines roughly one-third of the European continent. Although only the first 53 pages cover the time period relevant to the SCA, Magocsi offers the medieval student a wonderful survey into East Central European history. Along with a clear narrative, the atlas contains detailed yet understandable colored maps and tables. Magocsi obviously utilizes maps reflecting border changes but also includes maps of select cities, economic patterns, and religious situations. Readers will find in this work such maps are migration of the Slavs; the missions of Cyril and Methodius; the Mongol invasions; city layouts of Cracow, Vienna, and Prague; and the monasteries of Mount Athos. With the clarity and variety of information Magocsi presents, SCAdians will quickly find merit in Magocsi's work. Magocsi also uses a small yet beneficial characteristic in the atlas: where appropriate, he lists the various names of cities. For purposes of the SCA, people will find this advantageous not only in research but also for furthering the role-playing. In short, most groups have their own set of names for the cities. How one refers to a city tells a great deal as to their political and social orientation. For example, the western Ukrainian city of L'viv has seven other names: Ilyvó by the Magyars, Lemberg by the Germans, Leopolis by the Lithauanians, Lvov by the Russians, Lwów by the Poles, and Lemberik and Lvuv by the Jews. SCAdians should definitely find this subtle point useful for their personas. I agree with the Slavic Review when it calls the work a "magnificent introduction to the subject." However, the coherent narrative and various detailed maps have much to offer any reader. People, expert and novice alike, interested in Central and Eastern Europe will find Magocsi's book a great tool and well worth the time to read.
