Announcing a new illustrated history of Ukraine’s heritage, with all proceeds donated to PEN Ukraine

As reports build of the looting and destruction of Ukraine’s artworks and monuments, Treasures of Ukraine: A Nation’s Cultural History sets out to shine 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, this 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, our CEO and Publisher, says: ‘Ukraine’s art and architecture provide a perfect framework for understanding the country’s complex cultural identity and often tumultuous history. We are honoured to be working with a team of leading Ukrainian scholars on this new book; and we are proud to support PEN Ukraine and their endeavours to alert the world to the senseless cultural devastation currently being inflicted on their homeland.’

Andrey 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 riches, from Byzantine icons and wooden churches 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 on 15 September 2022. All proceeds will be donated to PEN Ukraine, to help Ukrainian authors in need.