What is a "Sich"? & "History of Ukraine"?

[Djordjevic01]

I have been reading about Ukraine recently because my family/ethnic background tracks across its territory. I have come across the term "Sich" in association with certain military and/or administrative organizations and in town names. Can someone enlighten me as to the meaning?

Also, I would be interested in feedback on the book "A History of Ukraine" by Paul Robert Magocsi ...

[JetSet]

Hey there... sich I believe loosely translates to camp in Ukrainian, or at least the Ukrainian of the 18th century. For example Zaporozhye Sich means Zaporozhye camp to some extent.

As for Magocsi's tome, I found it to be good read if you are up for something comprehensive! I did not read it all, but up to the end of the Kyivan Rus section, and found it to be quite interesting. I strongly suggest checking out Anna Reid's "Borderland". It's a lot more colourful than Magocsi's or Subtelny's complete histories.