Tracing the evolution of the Bulgarian state and its people, from the beginning of the Bulgarian national revival in the middle of the nineteenth century to the entry of the country into the European Union, Richard Crampton examines key political, social, and economic developments, revealing the history of a country which evolved from a backward and troublesome Balkan state to become a modern European nation. The formation of the first modern Bulgarian state in 1878 played a major role in Bulgaria's evolution, determining its stance in the two World Wars. Seeing the collapse as well as the establishment and evolution of communist rule, Bulgaria survived an often painful journey from monolithic authoritarianism to representative democracy and the market system. "R.J. Crampton is the foremost English-language scholar in the field of Bulgarian history.... his book is undoubtedly an important addition to the Anglo-American literature on Bulgarian history. In fact, of all the books in this sparse field, I would say it is the most important volume to date."--Mary Neuburger, American Historical Review "This comprehensive history of Bulgaria is excellent in every respect."--D. MacKenzie, Choice R. J. Crampton is a Professor of East European History and Fellow of St Edmund Hall at Oxford University.