A Companion to Hungarian Studies

The uniqueness of Hungary in the East and Central European region stems from a variety of factors. As inhabitants of one of Europe's oldest states, Hungarians have a strong sense of ethnic identity. This sense of identity is reinforced by the Hungarian language, which bears no resemblance to any other language spoken in the region. Moreover, the peace agreements following World War I, which had adverse consequences for Hungary, also had a considerable influence on the prevalent notions of ethnicity and nation. These factors not only make Hungary unique, but also account for the distinct and dynamic character of this book dealing with Hungarian culture and civilization. This volume gives an overview of Hungarian studies and offers an introduction to the subject for those who wish to become more familiar with the topic. It describes the origin, history and characteristic features of the Hungarian people, discusses Hungarian ethnography and folklore and also treats Hungarian literature, art and music quite extensively. It is bound to attract the interest of scholars, graduate students, and all those who have a special interest in this particular region and its people.