Lithuania has a long and tumultuous history, changing political and geographical boundaries and cultural identity many times since the country first entered the historical record, in 1009. Intended as an introduction for the nonspecialist, this dictionary focuses on the most important mileposts of Lithuania’s past. With few exceptions, the author employs present-day spellings of place-names and personal names consistent with their respective national origins. Dates are slightly more problematic, in that Lithuania haschanged from the Gregorian to the Julian calendar and back. Dates are, therefore, given according to the calendar in effect during the event in question. Following a detailed chronology and 35-page introduction, entries pertain to historical personages, events,and locations. Sufficient background ensures that the layperson can understand how people and events fit into the broader fabric of Lithuanian history. Running half a page (for topics like minor rulers and smaller towns) to several pages (for broad topics like Agriculture or Population and demography), entries have cross-references in bold. See also references are noted at the end of entries in small caps. Back matter includes several appendixes (for example, “Pronunciation of Lithuanian Terms” and “Lithuanian Political Leaders since 1918”); a glossary; and a bibliography so extensive that it has a table of contents. Offering breadth of coverage in a condensed format, this volume is an excellent source for colleges and universities with programs in eastern European history.
