The French version of the book has been compiled by several authors; thus, it comprises an extensive bibliography and presents the most objective view possible on the history of Latvia in the last century.

The book focuses on dispersing popular myths. The most important historical events and processes are viewed in the context of European history and evaluated from the position of the Latvian state.

The book is reviewed by Artis Pabriks, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and Paul Goble, vice dean at the Concordia-Audentes University in Tallin and Senior Research Associate at EuroCollege of the University of Tartu. President of the Republic of Latvia Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga about the book: „This is no doubt a work on the Latvian nation, state and their fate during the last century. The book does not present past events and processes from a narrow viewpoint of Latvian historians led by local patriotism. This book is an attempt to arrive at an objective understanding of the past, an understanding that towers above the interests of one nation and one social group. The authors have strived for analysis and evaluation of Latvian history in the wider context of historical events in Europe and the world.

The work comprises a description and analysis of complicated and concealed issues that have not been discussed before – Soviet and Nazi occupation periods, their consequences, holocaust, Soviet mass deportations, collaborationism, resistance to the occupation.

Many politicians and celebrities of the period are evaluated in the book. To a certain extent, the work reveals the present development of Latvian modern time history, and outlines the issues that require further and more detailed study.

This book proves that history and its study is a never-ending process aiming to find out the facts and reasons for what has happened to us.”

What do such ornaments as twin, Māra’s ornament, right-sided filfot, zalktis (adder), Austra’s tree (Austras koks) mean? The book tells about the origin of these symbols, the meaning they have in Latvian mythology and culture, and describes both affinities and differences between Latvian symbols and those of other nations.

The explanation will help the reader to become competent and read the ornaments embedded in Latvian mittens, woollen socks, bedspreads, belts and hope chests.

May this book promote your interest in the rich culture of Latvia.

This book, written by Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian theatre scientists and drama critics, is devoted to theatre production in the Baltic states during the second half of the 20th century. The authors analyse dramatic processes and the most prominent figures in Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian theatre production, dramatics, stage design, dramaturgy, and theatre music from the end of the World War II to year 2005.

Separate entries are devoted to such directors as Juozas Miltinis, Jonas Vaitkus, Eimuntas Nekrušius, Oskaras Koršunovas, Kaarel Ird, Voldemar Panso, Jaan Tooming, Elmo Nüganel, Alfrēds Jaunušans, Pēteris Pētersons, Oļģerts Kroders, Arnolds Liniņš, Ādolfs Šapiro, Arkādijs Kacs, Māra Ķimele and Alvis Hermanis.

Moreover, the review mentions all the other theatre directors of that time.

As such a comprehensive research has never been conducted before, the project is truly unique. This book gives an outline of theatre development in the Baltic states – and it also proves that theatre production in the three countries has just as much in common as our histories. 

The role and activities of the Latvian SS Legion in the World War II has been hotly debated both in the Latvian and foreign press. Historians, scientists, and politicians that have studied the history of the Latvian Legion have already given their answers concerning the issues of establishing the Legion, Legion’s fighting ability and motives leading the legionnaires in the fight. This book is the contribution of famed Latvian publicist and legionnaire Visvaldis Lācis.