<DIV><DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>The unique cultural variety of the Swabian region is captured in this picturesque guide, portraying its lovely towns, churches, abbeys, and magnificent castles all nestled in a diversified landscape. The area's history is reviewed, starting in the early Middle Ages when the ?Kingdom of Swabia” brought forth such prominent names as Emperor Barbarossa, who reigned over the land as Frederick III, and his grandson Frederick II, the ?Child of Apulia.” The later years are also covered, including the city of Ulm leading the Swabian Confederation of proud Free Imperial Cities as well as Augsburg, with its Fuggers and Welsers, as the former hub of world trade. Depicting a number of historic buildings that still testify to this splendid past, this travel companion also features special chapters on the region's poets and thinkers, cooking and wine, automobiles, the proverbial Swabian frugality, and outstanding examples of modern architecture.</P></DIV></DIV>