The Curtain and the Wall: A Modern Journey Along Europe’s Cold War Border
Modern: The Curtain and the Wall is Timothy Phillips’s account of a journey along Europe’s former Iron Curtain, exploring the Cold War borderlands and their legacy through history and encounters with people who live there. The listing describes a route from the Arctic Circle to Turkey’s eastern border.
At a glance
- Follows the former Iron Curtain from the Arctic Circle to Turkey’s eastern border.
- Combines Cold War history with accounts of people living with its aftermath.
- The listing describes a journey of 5,000 kilometres spanning eight decades.
Reference price: £20.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The focus on borderlands and local perspectives connects political history with its effects on people and places.
- A 480-page account may suit readers looking for an extended treatment rather than a brief overview.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Granta Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 13 Oct. 2022 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 480 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1783785764 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1783785766 |
| Dimensions | 15.3 x 3.2 x 23.4 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 695 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in European Cold War history and the legacy of the Iron Curtain.
- Those who enjoy history told through travel and encounters with people in the places being discussed.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a concise introduction, fiction or a practical travel guide.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
69% 69% - 4 stars
25% 25% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the top two star categories and a smaller middle-category share. This suggests a generally favourable reception, but ratings alone do not reveal which aspects readers liked or disliked, so they offer limited guidance on whether the travel-and-history approach will suit you.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Curtain and the Wall about?
It follows the former Iron Curtain across Europe, combining Cold War history with reflections on the borderlands and the people who live with the era’s legacy.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 480 pages.
What language is this edition in?
The listing specifies English.
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