Along Ukraine's River

Along Ukraine's River

A Social and Environmental History of the Dnipro

  • Autor: Cybriwsky, Roman Adrian
  • Editor: Central European University Press
  • ISBN: 9789633862056
  • Lloc de publicació:  Budapest , Hungary
  • Any de publicació digital: 2018
  • Mes: Març
  • Pàgines: 250
  • DDC: 947.7
  • Idioma: Anglés

The River Dnipro (formerly better known by the Russian name of Dnieper) is intimately linked to the history and identity of Ukraine. Cybriwsky discusses the history of the river, from when it was formed and its many uses and modifications by human agencies from ancient times to the present.

From key vantage points along the river’s course—its source in western Russia, through Belarus and Ukraine, to the Black Sea—interesting stories shed light on past and present life in Ukraine. Scenes set along the river from Russian and Ukrainian literature are evoked, as well as musical compositions and works of art. Topics include the legacy of the region’s cultural ancestors as the Kyivan Rus, the period of Cossack dominion, the epic battles for the river’s bridges in World War II, the building of dams and huge reservoirs by the Soviet Union, and the crisis of Chornobyl (Chernobyl). The author argues that the Dnipro and the farmlands along it are Ukraine’s chief natural resources, and that the country's future depends on putting both to good use.

Written without academic pretence in an informal style with dashes of humor, Along Ukraine's River is illustrated with original line drawings, maps, and photographs.

  • Cover
  • Title page
  • Copyright page
  • Contents
  • List of Illustrations
  • Preface
  • chapter 1: A National River
    • 1.1 Rivers and Nations
    • 1.2 The Heart of Ukraine
    • 1.3 A Note about Decommunization
  • chapter 2: A Work of Nature and the Works of Men
    • 2.1 Introduction
    • 2.2 The River in Russia
    • 2.3 The River in Belarus
    • 2.4 Ukrainian Territory
  • chapter 3: A Winding Course through History
    • 3.1 The Borysthenes
    • 3.2 Kyivan Rus’
    • 3.3 Ukrainian Cossacks
    • 3.4 Russia’s Ukraine
  • chapter 4: Soviet River: From DniproHES to Chornobyl
    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Soviet Stroika
    • 4.3 Battle Lines
    • 4.4 Chornobyl
    • 4.5 Enjoying the River
  • chapter 5: The River’s Health
    • 5.1 Pollution Inherited and Imported
    • 5.2 Radioactive River
    • 5.3 Other Pollution
  • chapter 6: Kyiv—Whose Ukraine?
    • 6.1 National Capital
    • 6.2 Landmarks of Religion
    • 6.3 Soviet Landmarks
    • 6.4 The Holodomor Monument
    • 6.5 Landscapes of Corruption
    • 6.6 A Green Zone
  • chapter 7: Around the Kremenchuk Sea
    • 7.1 A Drowned Land
    • 7.2 Nostalgia
    • 7.3 Cities and Towns
    • 7.4 Orbita
  • chapter 8: At the Great Bend of the Dnipro
    • 8.1 Introduction
    • 8.2 Rapids and Steppes
    • 8.3 Industrial Heartland
    • 8.4 Iconography and Toponymy
  • chapter 9: Zaporizhia and Dnipro (City)—Ukraine Reclaimed
    • 9.1 Introduction
    • 9.2 Meeting DniproHES
    • 9.3 Exploring Khortytsia
    • 9.4 Zaporizhia
    • 9.5 Dnipro (City)
  • chapter 10: Down the Lower Course
    • 10.1 Introduction
    • 10.2 The Upper Kakhovka Reservoir
    • 10.3 The Lower Kakhovka Reservoir
    • 10.4 Below the Last Dam
  • chapter 11: Some Thoughts About Ukraine
  • Bibliography
  • Index
  • Back cover