Foreign Ministry presents Latvian translation of Europe: A History by Norman Davies [09 Nov 2009]

On 9 November, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a book opening event for the Latvian translation of Europe: A History by Norman Davies. Those present were addressed by the author, Prof. Norman Davies, the Foreign Ministry Secretary of State, Andris Teikmanis, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, Iveta Šulca, former President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, and President of the Jumava publishing house, Juris Visockis. 

In his address, Prof. Davies expressed gratification that this monograph of more than a thousand pages had also been published in Latvian and emphasised that the underlying purpose of the book had been as proportional and equal as possible presentation of the history of European countries. The author nevertheless admitted that the aim of depicting a complete history of Europe and highlighting all countries and lands from various aspects is all but unattainable and utopian. Former President Vaira Vike-Freiberga brought the audience's attention to the fact that it was our generation which bore a particular responsibility by having to further contribute to Europe's complicated story: it was only within the powers of the present generation not to waste this opportunity. The Foreign Ministry Secretary of State Andris Teikmanis underscored that the opening of the book marked the fifth anniversary of Latvia's EU membership. Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia Iveta Šulca expressed gratification about the educational purpose of the project, but Juris Visockis, President of the Jumava Publishing House, for his part, noted that the translation of Norman Davies's Europe: A History could be a candidate for the Guinness Book of Records as the bulkiest book recently published in Latvian.

During the event, gratitude was expressed to both translators - Ambassador of Latvia to Belarus, Maira Mora, and a long term employee of the Foreign Ministry, Jānis Zīders.

The monograph by Norman Davies explores the history of Europe from the Ice Age to the Cold War, from Reykjavik to the Volga, from King Minos to Margaret Thatcher. The study provides analysis of historical conflicts, a vivid overview of the world wars and reflects various opinions on the European history as a whole. A particular focus is placed upon the decline of Eastern Europe after World War II, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the current tendencies in the stabilisation of Europe.

The book has 1384 pages and contains maps of Europe and a wealth of illustrations. The book has already been translated into 20 languages, including Greek, Italian, Lithuania, Chinese and others.

The Latvian translation has been published by Jumava in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission Representation in Latvia. The book has been issued within the framework of the Management Partnership in communication concluded between the European Commission and the Government of Latvia. Besides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission Representation intend to present the books to schools and universities. From 27 October, the publication will be available in Latvia's bookshops.

Professor Norman Davies is staying in Latvia from 8 to 11 November. On 10 November at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Latvia, Prof. Davies is to deliver a lecture "World War II in Europe: No Unanimity" followed by a discussion.

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