The past may be approached from a variety of directions. A myth reunites people around certain values and projects and pushes them in one direction or another. The present volume brings together a range of case studies of myth making and myth breaking in east Europe from the nineteenth century to the present day. In particular, it focuses on the complex process through which memories are transformed into myths. This problematic interplay between memory and myth-making is analyzed in conjunction with the role of myths in the political and social life of the region. The essays include cases of forging myths about national pre-history, about the endorsement of nation building by means of historiography, and above all, about communist and post-communist mythologies. The studies shed new light on the creation of local and national identities, as well as the legitimization of ideologies through myth-making. Together, the contributions show that myths were often instrumental in the vast projects of social and political mobilization during a period which has witnessed, among others, two world wars and the harsh oppression of the communist regimes. ÿ

Inspired by the theoretical insights of Patrick Hutton, Roland Barthes and Maurice Halbwachs, this volume examines the relationship between myths and memory and the ways in which the narratives (and the mythologies) of wars play a central role in constructing modern identities. The scholarly examination of war narratives shows how the political elite became eagerly engaged in the process of mythmaking. The collection opens with a preface by Patrick Hutton, the leading historian in the field o ...

Nations and nationalism remain powerful phenomena in the contemporary world. Why do they continue to inspire such passion and attachments? Myths and Memories of the Nation explores the roots of nationalism by examining the myths, symbols and memories of the nation through a 'ethno-symbolic'approach. The book reveals the continuing power of myth and memory to mobilise, define and shape people and their destinies. It examines the variety and durability of ethnic attachments and national identities, and assesses the contemporary revival of ethnic conflicts and nationalism. The bookanalyses the depth of ethnic attachments and the persistence of nations to this day.

This book examines the relationship between coloniser and colonised among the Italian-held Dodecanese Islands between 1912 and 1943, and is based on an oral history project conducted between 1990 and 1995. Italian power is described as having been negotiated, resisted and modified by locals, who admired many aspects of Italian rule without according the regime any legitimacy. This ethnographic history challenges standard views on Italian colonialism and Greek nationalism, and reflects on contemporary questions regarding historical memory, political culture and social identity.

"Ain't nobody clean" : Glory! and the politics of black agency / W. Scott Poole -- Alex Haley's Roots : the fiction of fact / William E. Huntzicker -- A voice of the south : the transformation of Shelby Foote / David W. Bulla.

"Koortbojian makes bold, original, and well-grounded claims regarding the structure of narrative as it appears on a series of mythological sarcophagi. He achieves remarkable clarity and depth with economical description and analysis. The book will interest students not only of Roman art but also of all visual narrative and mythology."--Leonard Barkan, Samuel Rudin Professor of English, New York University "Koortbojian makes bold, original, and well-grounded claims regarding the structure of narrative as it appears on a series of mythological sarcophagi. He achieves remarkable clarity and depth with economical description and analysis. The book will interest students not only of Roman art but also of all visual narrative and mythology."--Leonard Barkan, Samuel Rudin Professor of English, New York University