Prague is considered one of the treasures of Europe. A city steeped in history, well-preserved architecture, and literary imagination, it draws visitors who return speaking mostly in superlatives. Burton, a former professor of French at the University of Sussex and a visitor to Prague since 1970, aims not to provide a standard guidebook but to give visitors sufficient literary and cultural background in the context of Prague's colorful and varied history. An overview chapter offers the history and evolution of the most important city sights. Other chapters cover such topics as Jewish and German Prague and the great role theater has played in the city; four separate chapters review the city's history from 1900 to the present. Line drawings punctuate the text, adding to the artistic flavor of the commentary. Recommended as an excellent supplement to standard guidebooks for general travel collections in both public and academic libraries.-Olga Wise, Austin, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.