The narrative spans from the arrival of the Magyars in Europe to the late 20th century, focusing on pivotal moments such as:
The Mongol invasion of 1241, the 1526 defeat at Mohács , and the subsequent Ottoman rule.
The book provides a comprehensive and objective analysis of Hungarian history, exploring the paradox of how a nation characterized by "linguistic and cultural isolation" and a series of historical catastrophes has survived and maintained a strong identity for over a millennium. Lendvai examines the "lights and shadows" of the Hungarian past with a critical spirit, moving beyond national myths to offer a lucid interpretation of the country's trajectory. Key Historical Themes Covered
The heroic era of the Hunyadi family, the anti-Habsburg freedom fights (16th–19th centuries), and the 1848–49 Revolution.
The dualism of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the traumatic Treaty of Trianon , and the 1956 Revolution against Soviet rule. Technical Details (Romanian Edition) Publisher: Humanitas . Translators: Maria Nastasia and Ion Nastasia. Page Count: Approximately 572 pages. Format: 13x20 cm. ISBN: 978-973-50-3963-9 (3rd edition, 2013). Ungurii - Paul Lendvai - Humanitas
(Romanian title: Ungurii. Timp de un mileniu învingători în înfrângeri ) is a highly acclaimed historical work by Paul Lendvai , a Budapest-born journalist and political writer who has lived in Austria since 1957. Book Overview
The transition of the "barbaric" Magyars into the defenders of Western Christianity in the 9th century.