Paul Robert Magocsi: A Bibliography and Commentaries

Abstract

A bibliography, in addition to being an extremely useful reference tool, can also represent the celebration of a person – be they a scholar, researcher, or writer. Having one edition of such a bibliography is already a particular achievement and an instance of recognition. Having several editions of a bibliography, continuously revised and expanded, is a genuine rarity. Such is the case with Paul Robert Magocsi, professor of history and political science at the University of Toronto and an authority on Ukrainian and Carpatho-Rusyn history. Edited by Ksenya Kiebuzinski, Paul Robert Magocsi: A Bibliography and Commentaries, serves as an exhaustive presentation of the renowned scholar and his substantial corpus of scholarly legacy. The volume under review is scrupulously edited and expanded since its latest 2011 edition. In its new, fourth iteration, the volume begins with the editor’s preface, which is followed by introductions from three previous editions: by Bohdan Budowowycz (1985), John-Paul Himka (2000), and Kiebuzinski (2010). These introductions are, in a sense, a barometer of the historian’s passionate engagement with his multifaceted scholarly interests. Each introduction sheds light on biographical and professional aspects of Magocsi’s life and activity and covers a little over a decade of the scholar’s thriving intellectual trajectory. Magocsi’s scholarly contributions are fascinating in their wide range and scope. The bibliography lists 878 publications, in twenty-one languages, spanning the period from 1964 to early 2021 (p. 1–156) in the fields of history, sociolinguistics, ethnic studies bibliography, and cartography – including his contributions to bibliography, cartography, encyclopedias, and historical guides. Not only are publications listed, but so are the references to reviews of monographs. The first chapter lists eighty writings (books, articles, and encyclopedia entries) about Paul Robert Magocsi (p. 157–166) and is followed by “Commentaries in Periodicals and in the Media” (p. 167–278). The entries provide quotes from various writings about, and reviews of, Magocsi’s work. Additionally, the book features facsimiles of book covers for projects Magocsi was involved with, in multiple languages; including works published in English and in translation. When possible, the cover designer’s name is listed; a minor, yet significant detail. Of special mention is a short statistical note which includes five best-selling works by Magocsi. A cluster of articles dedicated to the legacy of professor Magocsi appeared in the Nationalities Papers in 2011. Contributors complimented the historian’s scholarly virtues and intellectual courage, mixed with his personal necessity and ever-present urgency to serve the profession and broaden the field. In one of the papers, Alexander J. Motyl summoned: