So I'm finally reading up on Balkan history which is complicated and LONG. Since you guys read tons of military/history books I'd be remiss if I didn't ask if anyone had read anything enjoyable about the history of the Balkans. It can be as recent as Kosovo or it could be from antiquity. Just looking to assemble a reading list.
It doesn't deal exclusively with the Balkans, but has extensive coverage of some happenings there - albeit with a focus on the muslim incursions:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573922471/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1573922471&linkCode=as2&tag=grogheads-20
Definitely worth a read.
recently saw this at a local bookstore for $6....reviews are varied...haven't read it myself.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Balkans-Nationalism-Powers-1804-1999/dp/0140233776/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363121626&sr=8-1&keywords=the+balkans+1804-1999
I read and enjoyed Balkan Ghosts....it gets a lot of criticism but I enjoyed it.
There are a couple of great books on the Canadian Battle at the Medak Pocket. This my favourite:
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Ghosts-Medak-Pocket-Canadas/dp/0679312943
Another one is called Tested Mettle - here is a little blurb on it:
http://www.balkanpeace.org/index.php?index=/content/testimonies/wctc/wctc14.incl
If you want background on the deep seated feelings of the inhabitants of the Balkans, A Time of Parting by Anton Donchev, is a great read.
Nothing good happens to anyone in the story, and you understand why all outsiders are hated,
Thanks for the suggestions guys! Most of these books are actually sitting on my desk in the "To Be Read" pile. The Medak Pocket books I haven't heard about. I'm reading in chronological order but when I get up to the most recent (of many) Balkan Wars I think these two will be on the list.
Both of those modern titles really tie the recent conflicts to the convoluted history of the region. Sounds like you have some good reading ahead.