The war has increased global interest in Ukrainian books. International readers are increasingly captivated by children’s stories, books about the war, and works of renowned Ukrainian authors like Serhiy Zhadan, Andriy Kurkov, and Oksana Zabuzhko. Ukrainian publishers are quick to embrace this demand, securing international deals selling rights to their books and expanding to new markets.
Take, for example, Polly Powell, a British publisher who was gifted a copy of Ukraїner. The Country from Inside. Inspired by its unique perspective, she acquired the rights to an English edition. The book, now titled Ukraїner. Ukrainian Insider quickly became an Amazon bestseller in the Hot New Releases category. It is now set to appear in bookstores across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Although interest in Ukrainian literature abroad had been growing even before the war, a real surge occurred in 2022 when the rights to over 230 Ukrainian titles were sold internationally. The leaders in global sales are «Vydavnytstvo Staroho Leva» (Old Lion Publishing House), «Ranok» (Morning), and Vivat, offering everything from timeless classics to contemporary stories that delve into Ukrainian life and resilience.
To help you find the perfect gift for friends, colleagues, or partners eager to explore Ukraine, YBBP has curated a list of Ukrainian books available in English.
1. Ukraïner. Ukrainian Insider, Ukraïner. Ukrainian Insider 2
The Ukraїner gift album unveils the essence of Ukraine, offering a vivid glimpse into its true essence. It features breathtaking landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, the enigmatic Odesa catacombs, the serene blue waters of Synevyr Lake, and the submerged ruins of Bakota. You’ll discover the wooden churches of Polissia, the majestic Ostroh synagogues, the striking gypsum caves of Podillia, and the golden sands of the Oleshky Desert.
Being much more than a geographical project, Ukraїner tells the story of Ukraine’s true spirit—its people, its farmers, its cozy hamlets, its historic towns, and its breathtaking scenery. All of these together portray Ukraine’s unique soul and spirit.
The album combines exclusive photographs and captivating stories, resulting from years of dedicated effort by the Ukraїner team. Its pages highlight Ukraine’s uniqueness for both local readers and a global audience. The Ukraїner project spreads the word about the country’s truthful beauty to the world in multiple languages—English, German, Spanish, Polish, and others.
Where to buy:
2. Ukraine. Food and History
If you’re searching for a book that captures both aesthetic beauty and culinary inspiration, this is the one. The bright, vibrant and mouthwatering photographs in this album invite you to savour a dish or experiment with Ukrainian recipes in your own kitchen.
However, this album goes beyond being a simple cookbook. It takes you on a journey into the heart of Ukrainian gastronomy, sharing stories of traditional dishes, the art of hospitality, seasonal ingredients, festive and ritual meals, and even culinary diplomacy. Naturally, it is filled with recipes encouraging you to get creative and try something new.
Where to buy:
- Ukraine. Food and History
3. A History of Ukraine. A Short Course
For those looking to explore Ukraine’s history in a concise and reader-friendly way, A Short Course in Ukrainian History is a perfect pick. From the ancient civilizations that flourished on Ukrainian lands to Kyiv’s emergence as a significant medieval centre, from the Cossack era to the struggle for independence in the 20th century—this book highlights the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. It also addresses Ukraine’s more recent challenges, including the post-Soviet transition and the wars that have brought the country into the global spotlight.
Written in a captivating and engaging style, this book is an excellent resource for international readers eager to understand the historical foundation of Ukraine’s rich cultural and political identity.
Where to buy:
- A History of Ukraine. A Short Course
4. Travelbook. Ukraine
The book introduces readers to the world of Ukraine, weaving together hundreds of fascinating facts, vibrant illustrations, information on must-see attractions, and captivating historical insights. This publication is a guide to the country’s most prominent figures in Ukrainian history, takes readers through major cities, and reveals the natural and cultural treasures that define the nation’s heritage.
While crafted with young readers in mind, this book also makes an exceptional gift for adults, providing an engaging way to present Ukraine to an international audience. It is a perfect choice for anyone eager to explore the country’s essence, its rich heritage and its role on the global stage.
Where to buy:
- Travelbook. Ukraine
5. The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine
Authored by Harvard professor Serhii Plokhy, one of the leading experts on Eastern European and Ukrainian history, this book is tailored for a Western audience. Since 2014, global interest in Ukraine has surged as readers seek to understand the nation’s identity and its crucial role in today’s geopolitical landscape.
The book traces Ukraine’s history from the Viking incursions of the 10th century to contemporary events, including the annexation of Crimea and Russia’s ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine. The professor emphasizes Ukraine’s unique historic role as a «gateway» between Europe and Asia, a crossroads for peoples, armies, and countless cultures over the centuries. These historical processes have shaped not only Ukraine’s geopolitical importance but also its mentality, fostering a resilient and freedom-loving people.
Plokhy highlights that Ukraine once again stands at the forefront of playing this pivotal role today, resisting Russian aggression and defending Europe’s democratic values. For Ukrainian readers, the book is particularly valuable for its unbiased perspective, free from Soviet ideology, allowing a re-evaluation of the country’s past without the influence of propaganda.
Where to buy:
- The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine
6. The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America
Written by Timothy Snyder, an esteemed historian and loyal supporter of Ukraine, this book offers vital insights into the roots of the Russia-Ukraine war. To fully grasp the causes of the war, the book emphasizes the need for international readers to understand the key players on today’s geopolitical stage. The author analyses how Russia influences the West, from supporting far-right movements in Europe to the invasion of Ukraine in 2014, from cyberattacks during the 2016 U.S. presidential election to meddling in the United Kingdom’s Brexit referendum. Snyder reveals how authoritarianism returned to Russia after the Cold War and exposes how narratives crafted to justify oligarchic rule have infiltrated the West through military and information attacks.
The book explains how Russia finds allies among nationalists, radicals, and oligarchs and how its strategy of undermining Western institutions and values resonates within the West itself. The author draws connections between the rise of populism, the Brexit vote, and the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, highlighting the vulnerability of democratic societies to external manipulation and interference.
Where to buy:
- The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America
7. «Ukrainian Castles and Palaces. Travel guide»
The MADEINUKRAINE team’s tireless effort of covering thousands of kilometres across Ukraine and devoting countless hours to research culminated in the release of a remarkable English-language guidebook in 2020. This book showcases the beauty of Ukraine through its castles and palaces, many of which remain hidden gems even to locals.
More than a simple record of historical landmarks, this guidebook invites readers on a journey through time, uncovering architectural marvels and their influence on Ukraine’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Where to buy:
- «Ukrainian Castles and Palaces. Travel guide»
8. Ukraine. The Best. Cultural Space from A to Z
This ambitious cultural project celebrates Ukraine’s creative legacy over the past 25 years. Bringing together 123 biographies, the book highlights the lives and achievements of prominent figures who have shaped the development of Ukrainian art, music, film, literature, theatre, and photography. Each page reveals archival photographs, original illustrations, unique facts and fascinating details, creating a vivid portrait of contemporary Ukrainian culture. Thanks to the efforts of a gallerist and publisher, Yuri Komelkov and his team, this work has become a true encyclopedia of cultural avant-garde.
Within its pages, readers will find the stories of renowned personalities like Les Podervianskyi, Kira Muratova, Denys Matvienko, Oleksandr Gliadielov, and Valentyn Sylvestrov, offering an intimate look into their diverse creative journeys and the lasting impact of their contributions to Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
Where to buy:
- Ukraine. The Best. Cultural Space from A to Z
9. Ukraine. A journey to the heart of Europe
This book offers international readers a profound exploration of Ukraine’s rich history, culture, and spiritual identity. Author Yaroslava Muzychenko weaves pivotal events that shaped the nation with stories of remarkable individuals whose values, principles, and belief in humanity became inseparable from European culture.
Featuring prominent Ukrainian figures such as Hryhorii Skovoroda, Kateryna Bilokur, Volodymyr Betz, the book highlights their contributions to Ukraine’s national identity. Blending historical insights, cultural achievements, and contemporary perspectives, this publication portrays Ukraine as a country with deep historical roots and boundless potential.
Where to buy:
- Ukraine. A journey to the heart of Europe
10. Ukraine Rising. Contemporary Creative Culture from Ukraine
The book Ukraine Rising was published in 2023 by GESTALTEN, one of the world’s leading publishing houses. The book showcases the outstanding accomplishments of Ukrainian talents across interior and graphic design, art, photography, modern crafts, and fashion. Ukraine Rising features works by leading Ukrainian artists, serving as a powerful testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people, offering hope for a brighter and more inspired future.
Where to buy:
- Ukraine Rising. Contemporary Creative Culture from Ukraine
11. The Art of Ukrainian Sixties
The book explores one of the most fascinating periods in the history of Ukrainian visual art—the so-called «Khrushchev Thaw» of the late 1950s and early 1960s. During this brief window of creative freedom, Ukrainian artists had the opportunity to create art that defied the totalitarian regime. Ukraine’s cultural centres—Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Uzhhorod—became vibrant hubs of artistic experimentation. The book features works by renowned artists such as Alla Horska, Oleh Sokolov, Vilen Barskyi, and Pavlo Bedzir, who collectively shaped a distinct cultural movement.
Featuring over 400 reproductions of artworks and archival materials, The Art of Ukrainian Sixties offers international readers a compelling introduction to the depth, resilience, and rebellious spirit of Ukrainian art during this transformative period.
Where to buy:
Kyiv by Sergiy Maidukov (UKR HYPERLINK)
This visual masterpiece was created by a renowned Ukrainian illustrator whose work has graced the pages of The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The art book is a tribute to Kyiv—a city of endless contrasts and charm. This book invites readers to enjoy Serhii Maidukov’s stunning illustrations while gaining a deeper appreciation for the city through his artistic lens.
Where to buy:
The Story of Ukraine. An anthem of glory and freedom (UKR HYPERLINK)
A book for younger school-age children offers an exciting introduction to Ukraine through the prism of its national symbols—anthem, flag, and coat of arms—as well as popular images that have become part of the country’s cultural identity. The book brings to life stories about the Cossacks, Taras Shevchenko, borscht, and the artistic legacies of Mykola Leontovych and Kateryna Bilokur, as well as exploring symbols of Ukraine’s ongoing fight for independence. Polina Doroshenko’s vibrant illustrations turn each page into a colorful journey. Published in a bilingual format, this book is a perfect choice for international families eager to share the heart and soul of Ukraine with their children.
Where to buy:
My ABC book (UKR HYPERLINK)
Created by the renowned publishing house A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA, a long-standing symbol of excellence in children’s literature, this book carries a legacy of quality and creativity. Inspired by the legendary Alphabet Book (Abetka) cherished by generations of Ukrainians, My ABC Book reimagines the learning experience with a fresh approach to the English alphabet. While it doesn’t replicate the poems or illustrations of the original Abetka, it crafts a whimsical world perfect for children aged one and up. Designed to spark imagination, enhance memory, and introduce the basics of English, this book is an enchanting tool for early learners. A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA has become a cultural emblem of Ukraine, with every publication embodying the artistry and charm of a true masterpiece.
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