“[A] superb comparative study. . . . This book represents a pioneering foray into a terrain which relatively few historians have entered. In a work of impressive empirical detail and unusual interpretive breadth, Connelly not only offers a fascinating description of the surprising diversity of academia in Eastern Europe under Soviet hegemony, but also questions some of the most basic and long-cherished notions about the nature of Stalinism and the dynamics of 'Sovietization' in the region. . . . Marshalling a massive amount of archival material, Captive University presents at one level a finely textured account of academia. . . . But even more important than its impressive empirical contribution is its comparative method, which offers a much-needed interpretive yardstick for understanding developments within and between the three countries.” — German History
“A first-rate, pioneering, and enduring study. . . . Constitutes a contribution to the history of East Central Europe in the post-1945 decade, the study of scholarly and intellectual life under dictatorship, the comparative history of this area and of Europe in general, and to the continuing revival of the history of political culture in Europe and elsewhere.” — Central European History
“With his impressive command of archival sources in three language, his focus on institutional change and its implications, and his emphasis upon the persistence of pre-war patterns and priorities, Connnelly tells a story of resistance to Communism that goes far and carries great weight. . . . This book should be required reading for all specialists of Communist Eastern Europe, and should inspire scholars and students of state socialism and comparative history.” — Sovietization of East European Universities
“Well researched and . . . convincing.” — Journal of Modern History
“[An] extremely well researched and documented text. . . . A great piece of scholarship.” — Slavic Review
“A landmark of comparative higher-educational history, an enormous scholarly effort which presents a bold thesis and argues it with the complexity and nuance that is characteristic of a truly remarkable piece of work.” — History of Education Quarterly
"Comparative historical studies of the transition to Communist rule in East Central Europe are rare, due to the conceptual difficulties of comparative history and the formidable linguistic challenges involved. This is a well-conceived, superbly researched analysis that deserves to attract a wide readership among historians of
“In his superb book on higher education in postwar Eastern Europe, Connelly explores the dynamics of East European Stalinism as does no other author. The research is stunning; the writing is clear and engaging; the comparative method works beautifully. The book is a 'must' for every scholar and student in the field.” — Norman M. Naimark, Stanford University
