Duncan M. Perry Bücher

Little known in the United States but increasingly significant in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria has a tumultuous history, mirrored in the life of Stefan Stambolov, who ruled during some of its most challenging years. Duncan M. Perry's biography, the first in English in the twentieth century, explores Stambolov's life, motives, and personality. It begins with Bulgaria's struggles following its founding in 1878, highlighting Stambolov's rise as a passionate young lawyer who played a key role in restoring the ousted prince to the throne. Despite the prince's quick abdication, Stambolov stepped in to lead the nation during a critical period. Perry details Stambolov's evolution from a patriotic politician to an authoritarian prime minister, showcasing how he stabilized the economy and provided security, albeit at a personal and political cost. The biography portrays Stambolov as a complex figure whose push for Bulgarian independence came at the expense of individual rights, culminating in his assassination in 1895, which elicited mixed reactions. Ultimately, Stambolov is depicted as an authoritarian leader who balanced national liberty with the suppression of personal freedoms, setting Bulgaria on a path of stability and modernization. An afterword compares Stambolov's era with that of communist dictator Todor Zhikov, examining their similarities and differences.