Spatial Concepts of Lithuania in the Long Nineteenth Century [Hardcover]

This book deals with the spatial concepts of Lithuania and other geo-images that either competed in the nineteenth century with the term Lithuania or were of a different taxonomic level (Samogitia, Prussias Lithuania, Lithuania Minor, Poland, the Western Region, the Northwest Region, Lita/Lite, Belarus, East Prussia etc.). The Russian, Lithuanian, Polish, Belarusian, Jewish, and German geo-images of this territory are analyzed in separate chapters of this volume. The spatial and topographical turns, especially the innovative perspective suggested by French Marxist Henri Lefebvre to look at the (social) space as a product of social creativity, research on so-called mental maps, postcolonial studies, and nationalism studies provided some theoretical background as well as analytical approaches for the studies published in this volume. Darius Staliknas and his co-authors make an excellent and detailed contribution to the study of the spatialities of national identities with their explorations and explanations of Lithuanian national identity and territory as they emerged and crystalized during the nineteenth century, the age of nationalism. Rather than treat space and territory as unrelated backdrops to national identities, Staliknas et al. bring these concepts to the forefront and demonstrate how they are instrumental in shaping national identities. . . .the work overall is a great contribution to scholarly literature because it illustrates the role that spatial relationships and conceptions play in the emergence, growth, and development of national identities. The Lithuanian case may seem an unusual example for advancing such arguments. However, through their meticulous work, Staliknas et al. thoroughly demonstrate that the Lithuanian case brilliantly illustrates broader, more universal processes. Darius Staliknasis the author ofMaking Russians. Meaning and Practice of Russification in Lithuania and Belarus after 1863(Amsterdam/New York, NY: Rodopi, 20l£Ù