This is a well-written and learned book that guides the popular reader through Romania's long and eventful history. All eras are covered: the stone, bronze, and iron ages; the classical period of the Dacians before, during, and after Roman rule; the long period of invasions during the Middle Ages; the principalities from the 14th century until 1821; and the periods of unification, communism, and post-communism. Romania's cultural history is included too, with accounts of writers, artists, and musicians. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR