Thames & Hudson has partnered with art historians, critics and curators to tell the story of Ukraine’s history and peoples through the lens of its most important works of art and architecture.
Following reports of continuing looting and destruction of Ukraine’s artworks and monuments, “Treasures of Ukraine: A Nation’s Cultural History” shines a light on the country’s rich cultural heritage. With a foreword by Andrey Kurkov, author of “Death and the Penguin” and president of PEN Ukraine, the generously illustrated volume explores key periods of Ukraine’s history, from the ancient cultures of Trypillia and Scythia to the early states of Kyivan Rus and the Cossack Hetmanate, through to the Orange Revolution of 2004 and its aftermath.
Sophy Thompson, Thames & Hudson Ltd.’s CEO, says: “Ukraine’s art and architecture provide a perfect framework for understanding the country’s complex cultural identity and often tumultuous history. We are honored to be working with a team of leading Ukrainian scholars on this new book, and we are proud to support PEN Ukraine and their endeavors to alert the world to the senseless cultural devastation currently being inflicted on their homeland.”
Kurkov adds: “Russia is waging war not only for the territory of Ukraine but also against Ukrainian culture, against Ukrainian identity. Until now very little was known about the culture, but it is ancient and rich and tells a great deal about the country’s history and its people.”
Revealing a wide range of cultural artifacts, from Byzantine icons to folk art and avant-garde masterpieces, “Treasures of Ukraine” reminds us that art and monuments represent powerful sources of collective memory and identity.
“Treasures of Ukraine: A Nation’s Cultural History” will be published in the United States on Dec. 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, an important saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. All proceeds will be donated to PEN Ukraine, to help Ukrainian authors in need.
