Odessa

Odessa: A History, 1794-1914, Volume 1, provides a detailed examination of one of the most unique cities on the Black Sea. Founded by Empress Catherine II in 1794, the city grew rapidly due to its proximity to the fertile Ukrainian steppe. This history explores how Odessa became the primary exporter of cereals to western Europe, driving significant economic growth. The narrative details how liberal policies attracted diverse groups, including Greeks, Italians, Jews, and French settlers, creating a cosmopolitan and polyglot urban center.

Patricia Herlihy utilizes Ukrainian and Russian sources, travel literature, and consular reports to reconstruct this bustling port. The text analyzes the rapid development of the nineteenth century alongside the social tensions, strikes, and revolutionary agitation that emerged leading up to the First World War. This work serves as a scholarly resource for those studying Ukraine history, international commerce, and urban expansion. It offers a comprehensive look at the social life and political shifts within this complex nineteenth-century community.