For the increasing number of western travellers who visit Bulgaria either on holiday or on business, this is the ideal introduction to the country's fascinating past. The rich and dramatic story of the Bulgarians is traced from medieval times through Ottoman rule and the cultural flowering of the nineteenth century to the turbulent years of the twentieth century. The story is told in straightforward, non-academic style, and is the only compact, illustrated history of Bulgaria in the English language.

This is the first book that captures the unique culture of Thrace through extensive photographs of ancient treasures from museums throughout Bulgaria. I am happy to see that all photographs are accompanied with captions providing a wealth of information about the objects as well as info in which museums they can be seen. The preface details the history, culture, and religion of Thrace, and it's filled with fascinating facts. It gives the reader a deeper understanding of the political and cultural complexity of the ancient world and the relationships among Thracians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, etc. There is a timetable at the end that conveniently displays the various periods in the development of Thrace parallel to famous world events.

Needless to say, the book is a must for everybody interested in ancient history. It also makes a great coffee table book, unique and fascinating like Thrace itself.