Today, Ukrainians live in different parts of the world — in Great Britain, America, Australia and many other countries. Many of us already have friends abroad. If you want to share a piece of Ukraine with them, you cannot think of a better gift than a book. Especially if it reveals Ukraine through the eyes of our authors, and even better – in English.
In this article, we have prepared a list of 11 books that will make a great gift for your friends abroad for Christmas and New Year!
Books about Ukraine as a gift
In this article, I have selected 11 books about Ukraine that will be a great gift for friends abroad who want to learn more about our country, or for relatives who miss it.
Looking for a book about Ukraine?
👍 We have created one of the largest collections of non-fiction in Ukraine so that you can read about real events, analyze facts and develop critical thinking.
So, I invite you to get acquainted with my short review of 11 books as a gift.
Books about Russia's war against Ukraine
Let's start with the most painful. For friends abroad, books about Russia's war against Ukraine can become an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the Ukrainian people and the strength of their struggle for freedom. These books are not just facts and figures, but living stories of people who faced the war, their pain, courage and hope. They help to see not only the war, but also the history, culture and spirit of Ukraine, which they are trying to destroy, but which are indomitably resisting. This is important reading for those who want to better understand the context of this war, its depth and consequences for Ukraine and the world.
"Brave to Bring the Light". Photobook about the most difficult winter in the history of independent Ukraine
The photo book "Brave to Bring the Light" is an impressive visual chronicle of the winter of 2022-2023, which became one of the most difficult in the history of independent Ukraine due to the war and massive shelling of critical infrastructure. The publication records how Ukrainians overcame challenges caused by constant power outages, cold and danger, maintaining dignity and indomitable spirit.
The authors of the photo book document scenes of everyday life: shelters, homes in the dark, work of energy workers and volunteers, moments of empathy and solidarity. The central motif is light, both physical and metaphorical, which people have created despite the circumstances.
The publication combines photographs with texts that create an emotionally charged narrative about the power of humanity and unity. The book became a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainians, who inspire the world with their desire for freedom and life.
This book is available on the website in Ukrainian and English.
"What shall we call this war?" Bohdana Logvinenko
"What shall we call this war?" Bohdana Logvinenko from Ukrainer is a book of reflections that analyzes the events of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine through the lens of history, culture, and human destinies. The author asks how the war of 2022 will affect collective memory and national identity, and what will be its place in world history.
The book explores the heroism, solidarity and courage of Ukrainians. Logvinenko focuses on the importance of correctly recording events for future generations to ensure a fair assessment and avoid distortion of history. The theme of war becomes key, as the name carries meaning, memory and emotions.
This edition is an important contribution to the understanding of contemporary events and will serve as a basis for understanding the war both in the context of Ukraine and the world.
This book is available on the website in Ukrainian.
Books about the history of Ukraine
The following editions will help to better understand the history, the struggle for independence and the uniqueness of the Ukrainian identity. The books in this section will be interesting for those who want to deepen their knowledge about Ukraine, its traditions and important moments that determined its path to the present.
"A history of Ukraine" (History of Ukraine in English) Oleksandra Mykhed a
The book " A History of Ukraine " by Oleksandr Mykhed is a thorough account of Ukrainian history, written in English for an international audience. The author aims to present the complex and multi-layered history of Ukraine in an understandable and accessible format, addressing readers who are not always familiar with the details of the Ukrainian past.
Mykhed covers the key stages of Ukrainian history: from Kyivan Rus and the Cossack era to the Soviet period, gaining independence in 1991 and the modern struggle for freedom during the war with Russia. The author pays attention to the cultural, political and social aspects that formed the identity of the Ukrainian people.
A feature of the book is the emphasis on the influence of historical events and the present, in particular, on the formation of the modern Ukrainian state and society. Thanks to this, the book becomes the key to understanding modern Ukraine.
A History of Ukraine is ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Ukraine, its past and its significance in world history.
This book is available on the website in English.
"UPA. The History of the Unconquered" by Volodymyr Vyatrovich, Ruslan Zabyly, Ihor Derevyany, and Petr Sodol
The book "UPA. History of the Unconquered" by Volodymyr Vyatrovych, Ruslan Zabyly, Ihor Derevyany and Petro Sodol is a fundamental study of the history of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This is a thorough and scientifically based review of the struggle of the Ukrainian liberation movement against the occupiers during the Second World War and in the post-war period.
The authors highlight the key aspects of the UPA's activities: its creation, structure, combat operations, ideology and aspirations for the independence of Ukraine. Considerable attention is paid to the relations of the UPA with other national and international forces, in particular, the confrontation with the Soviet and Nazi occupiers.
The book is based on numerous archival documents, testimonies of participants and modern historical research. The publication also contains rich illustrative material: photos, maps and infographics, which makes it accessible and interesting for both scholars and a general audience.
"UPA. History of the Unconquered" is an important contribution to the study of Ukrainian history, which debunks myths and contributes to the understanding of the struggle for freedom and independence of Ukraine.
This book is available on the website in Ukrainian.
Books about the culture of Ukraine
If you want to give a book that explores the richness of Ukrainian heritage, go here. These books reveal to readers the diversity of Ukrainian customs, music, literature and folk art, and also show how culture helps preserve national identity in difficult times.
"Christmas and Malanka" from Team Ukrainer
The book "Christmas and Malanka" from the Ukrainer Team is a unique publication that reveals the traditions and rituals of celebrating Christmas and Malanka in Ukraine. Ukrainer publishing house, known for its focus on cultural heritage and authentic Ukrainian traditions, offers readers a deep dive into holiday customs passed down from generation to generation.
The main characteristics of the book:
- Variety of traditions: The book covers different regions of Ukraine and their unique traditions of celebrating Christmas and Malanka. Special attention is paid to local features that make these holidays unique in different parts of the country.
- History and Symbolism: In addition to describing holiday traditions, the book explains the historical roots of Christmas and Malanka, their symbolism, rites and customs, which are related to pre-Christian beliefs and religious practices.
- Illustrations and photos: The book contains vivid photos showing the celebration of Christmas and Malanka in Ukraine, reflecting the beauty of folk art, costumes, rituals and festive atmosphere.
- Interviews and testimonies: The book presents interviews with people who preserve traditions, passing them on to new generations, which helps the reader better understand how these holidays are experienced by modern Ukrainians.
"Christmas and Malanka" is not only about holidays, but also about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, which is the basis of national identity. The publication is suitable for those who want to get acquainted with Ukrainian holidays, their deep meaning and practices, as well as for everyone who is interested in Ukrainian cultural heritage.
This book is available on the website in Ukrainian.
Ukraine from above from the Ukrainer team
The book " Ukraine from Above" by the Ukrainer team is a visually stunning publication that offers a unique bird's-eye view of Ukraine through the lens of drones. This project is part of a wider Ukrainer initiative aimed at researching and popularizing the culture, nature and history of Ukraine for a global audience.
The main characteristics of the book:
- Visual aspect: The book contains numerous photographs taken from a height that allow you to see Ukraine from a new, incredibly beautiful and unusual perspective. Each picture opens up new perspectives on Ukrainian cities, villages, natural landscapes, as well as architectural monuments and cultural landscapes.
- Diversity of regions: The photos cover different corners of Ukraine — from the Carpathians to the Black Sea coast, from historical centers to remote villages, showing the multifaceted nature of the Ukrainian land.
- History and Culture: The book is not limited to aesthetic photographs; it also includes the historical facts, cultural features and social contexts associated with the places depicted in the photo.
"Ukraine from Above" is a kind of guide that allows you to better understand Ukraine and its diversity, demonstrate the beauty of the country and its potential, as well as support a positive image on the international arena. The book is an ideal gift for those who want to get to know Ukraine from a new, non-standard angle.
This book is available on the website in English.
Books about design in Ukraine
Are you interested in the development of design in Ukraine? The books in this selection cover various aspects — from graphic and industrial design to architecture and fashion, showing how Ukrainian designers shape the country's visual identity. They provide an opportunity to understand how modern trends and cultural features affect creative processes, and also tell about the role of design in the formation of national consciousness. These books will be interesting for people from creative industries and for everyone who wants to dive into the prospects of Ukrainian design.
"Telegraf. Ukrainian design" from Projector Publishing
"Telegraf. Ukrainian Design" magazine from Projector Publishing is a publication that highlights the development of Ukrainian design, particularly in the context of modern trends and their interaction with the cultural, social and political realities of Ukraine. The magazine or artbook contains an analysis of the most important achievements of Ukrainian designers, agencies and creative teams that shaped the country's visual culture.
- The evolution of Ukrainian design: The publication covers various stages of the development of design in Ukraine, starting from the Soviet era to the modern achievements of an independent state.
- Analysis of key trends: The magazine examines the most important and innovative directions of Ukrainian design, which includes graphic design, branding, packaging, advertising, digital design and other areas.
- An example of modern design: Artbook also shares a look at the most relevant projects created by Ukrainian designers and their impact on the global creative industry.
- Interviews and reflections: The authors included interviews with famous Ukrainian designers who share their views on creativity, the creative process and the role of design in modern society.
"Telegraf. Ukrainian design" is an important source for those who are interested in modern trends arising in the conditions of globalization, war and cultural revival of Ukraine. It is also a useful resource for design professionals, students, and anyone seeking to better understand the Ukrainian design scene.
The magazine is available on the website in Ukrainian.
"Telegraf. Creativity of the Brave” by Projector Publishing
" Telegraf. Creativity of the Brave" magazine from Projector Publishing is a publication dedicated to the Ukrainian creative industry in wartime conditions. The project focuses on how designers, artists, illustrators and other representatives of the creative professions respond to the challenges caused by war and use their skills to support society, preserve culture and resist aggression.
Telegraf demonstrates how art and design can become a tool of communication, resistance and transformation in the most difficult times.
The artbook on the website is available in English.
"Chips: Ukrainian naive mosaics, 1950-90" by Yevhen Nikiforov and Polina Baitsym
The book Chips: Ukrainian Naive Mosaics, 1950–90 by Yevgeny Nikiforov and Polina Baytsim is a unique study of Soviet mosaic art in Ukraine. The authors have collected and documented examples of naive monumental art created mainly in public spaces between the 1950s and the 1990s.
The focus of the book is on the mosaics that decorated the facades of buildings, public transport stops, schools, cultural centers and industrial facilities. The publication analyzes the style, socio-cultural context and artistic significance of these works, created mostly by anonymous or little-known masters.
The book also raises important issues of preservation and evaluation of Soviet heritage in the Ukrainian context, pointing to the artistic value of these mosaics, which are often destroyed or in a neglected state. The publication is illustrated with a large number of photographs.
This book is available on the website in Ukrainian and English.
"Sign. Ukrainian trademarks of the 1960s-80s"
The book "Sign. Ukrainian Trademarks of the 1960s and 1980s" is a unique publication that explores the design and aesthetics of trademarks of Soviet Ukraine. The curators have assembled a collection of logos and emblems created in the 1960s and 1980s that were used to brand products in various industries, from industry to food.
The book analyzes the visual language of that time. The authors reveal how, within the strict framework of socialist planning, designers created signs that combined functionality and artistic expressiveness. The publication also draws attention to the influence of international trends in graphic design adapted to local conditions.
The Sign is a valuable resource for designers, researchers, and those interested in the history of art and culture.
This book is available on the website in Ukrainian and English.
Books about Ukrainian IT
Where without him! Ukrainian technical specialists are valued all over the world, and we even have a book that tells about the formation and development of the IT industry in Ukraine.
"Innovation in isolation: the story of Ukrainian IT from the 1940's to present" by Volodymyr Nevzorov and Victoria Ugryumova
The book "Innovation in Isolation: The Story of Ukrainian IT from the 1940's to Present" by Volodymyr Nevzorov and Viktoria Ugryumova is a unique story of the development of the Ukrainian IT industry, which began long before modern technological achievements. The publication traces the evolution of Ukrainian innovations in the field of information technologies, from the Soviet era to the present.
- The first steps of IT in Ukraine: the achievements of the 1940s are described, in particular the contribution of Ukrainian scientists to the creation of the first computers and the development of cybernetics.
- Soviet period: the complexities of innovative development under ideological pressure are explored, in particular the role of Ukrainian scientists in the implementation of innovative ideas within the Soviet system.
- Independence Period: Emphasis is placed on the rapid growth of the IT industry after 1991, including the emergence of startups, outsourcing companies, and global technology leaders of Ukrainian origin.
- The influence of modern events: the role of IT in military realities is considered, in particular the development of technologies aimed at supporting the defense capabilities of Ukraine, cyber security and global projects related to war.
The book offers a detailed analysis, combining historical facts, personal stories of developers and engineers, and also describes the technological potential of Ukraine in conditions of isolation, which often stimulated creativity and innovation. This edition will be interesting for foreigners, technology enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Ukraine in general.
This book is available on the website in English.
Looking for something to read?
Tira strives to offer the largest selection of non-fiction in Ukraine. In our collection you will find only those books that we have personally chosen and consider important. The main focus is on non-fiction, but we also offer design , business , fiction and children's books .
So what book will you read next?