Customer Reviews

Baltic Capitals, 2nd: Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Kaliningrad

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book has good all-around coverage of the three capitals, but where it really shines is in describing history/culture/architecture. Rather than reciting dry facts, this book really makes the past come alive and also gives a real sense of what these countries are like today as they transform. The authors' passion for their subject is infectious. And a lot of thought has gone into this guide - The Riga section even has a little map just to identify each of the Art Nouveau buildings!
Each section of the book includes brief firsthand accounts from those who were in these cities at critical times in their history. (The reminiscences from a former German resident of Kaliningrad are remarkable.) I've spent the most time in Tallinn but have also visited the two other Baltic capitals and this is definitely the book to use.

Definitely the best regional guide that I've found. As someone who often travels to Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, I really appreciated the fact that there was so much well-researched information all in one place. I've just about worn out my copy.

This book contained nothing that I could not get on-line for free. I consider this to be a complete waste of money.