Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City [Paperback]

Thomas M. Eccardt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

This unique book examines the history, culture, and inner workings of the seven smallest independent countries in Europe. These are among the oldest states on the continent and, despite their diversity, they have much in common. Most have relatively high per capita incomes and life expectancies, and relatively low unemployment. This narrative presents the unique issues that confront small countries, including maintaining their independence, economic viability, preserving their native languages, and sustaining their governments. The second part of the book describes each microstate in turn, showing how each one has met these challenges and adapted over time. These concise and engaging chapters contain cultural information on subjects including the arts, gastronomy, and popular tourist sites.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781810329
• ISBN-13: 978-0781810326
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #628,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > History > Europe > Liechtenstein
  • #1 in Books > History > Europe > Andorra
  • #1 in Books > History > Europe > San Marino

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Geographical and Historical Work, October 7, 2005

By 

William R. Harmon "Esperantist" (Oakland CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City (Paperback)

In researching sources for information on Malta for a forthcoming excursion after the Universala Kongreso de Esperanto next year, I came across Tom Eccardt's "Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe." I not only found everything I needed to know about Malta, but was fascinated by his treatment of the other six small states. This is an excellently researched work, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in geography or history.
William R. Harmon
Chief Delegate of Universala Esperanto-Asocio for USA

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book every library should have!, July 20, 2007

By 

CMW-Tzvi "Tzvi" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City (Paperback)

I need to start by admitting that the author of "Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City" (Thomas M. Eccardt) is a high-school friend of my wife. That having been noted, I would recommend this volume even if I had no idea who the author was.

The small nations of Europe (as well as small nations in general) have held a fascination for me for years. When we received this book, I read it avidly, and was able to learn fascinating information about the character and history of various of the small states of Europe, despite my already vaster than normal knowledge of these countries. I felt that I was transported to the countries he was describing. My wife had to beg me to finish so that she could read it.

Mr. Eccardt has used his time well in researching the subjects thoroughly. He includes not only information the traveler venturing into these countries would want to have at hand, but historical, geographical, and practical information any "armchair traveler" would want as well. Students needing to write a paper on one of these countries would do well to consult this tome in their preparation. Writers wanting to set a novel in one of these countries (or in a fictitious state in Europe) could glean useful information for the setting of said work from this book. If you plan to go to Europe, take this book with you!

I personally would have loved to have access to this kind of resource when I was in junior high school, high school, and even in college. Every library of any worth should rush to place this book on its shelves.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WELL RESEARCHED AND PLEASING TO READ, June 7, 2007

By 

S. P. Levame "FirePig" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City (Paperback)

Excellent and well researched book that deals with the history and geography of the seven smallest states of Europe. Easy to read and really engaging. I honestly recommend this book to whoever wishes to learn about these real but not very well known independent states. Extremely interesting.