This book not simply historical study; its author and publisher have attempted to erect a monument to a nation that, throughout its heroic resistance to many tribulations, has never given up.
The story begins in 2000 B.C. with the peoples of the Eastern Baltic littoral and continues into the 20th century, during which time the Latvians endured three ruthless foreign occupations. We learn of the desperate struggles – yet resolute vitality – of this peaceful agrarian nation that lived at the crossroads where both Western and Eastern European imperialisms have clashed throughout history.
In studying this corner of Northern Europe, the author of History of Latvia, Professor Arnolds Spekke (1887 – 1973), a diplomat, historian, and Roman philologist, has used materials and sources that are not easily accessible and were previously under – explored. He does not treat Latvia as an isolated area, but rather sees its history within the context of Europe`s political crosscurrents.
Not only is this work rich in facts; but Profesor Spekke`s conclusions, syntheses, and formulations are discerning and farsighted.
This book not simply historical study; its author and publisher have attempted to erect a monument to a nation that, throughout its heroic resistance to many tribulations, has never given up.