<DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Celebrating the city that is still the humming center of the German printing industry and book trade, this guide reveals Leipzig as a cultural and historical focus. The metropolis is also revealed as boasting one of the oldest universities and the oldest schools of business and music in Germany, illustrating its claims to fame of Johann Sebastian Bach, the Gewandhaus Orchestra, and the Choir of St Thomas all helping to secure its place in the annals of music history. Countless buildings of great stylistic diversity and merit are portrayed, telling of the city's significant past?from the <I>Altes Rathaus</I> and <I>Alte Waage</I> to the <I>Moritzbastei</I>, the city's masterly fortress, dating back to the days of the Renaissance. The <I>Neues Rathaus</I> from 1905 is featured, taking its place as one of the biggest town halls in the world, and examples of bourgeois baroque from the stock exchange behind the main market square and the mercantile palaces of the <I>Fregehaus</I> and <I>Romanushaus</I> are featured. The center of town is explored, dotted with old-fashioned business halls, splendid merchant's residences, and characteristic arcades such as <I>Specks Hof</I>, <I>Barthels Hof</I>, and the famous <I>Mädlerpassage</I>. Covering the major landmark for both Leipzig and Germany, the monument to the Battle of the Nations, this beautiful handbook highlights Leipzig in all its glorious variety, with additional features on buildings of merit, Leipzig and the arts, culinary delights, and woods and gardens.</P></DIV>