This long-awaited revised third edition to the original and most comprehensive guidebook in English about Georgia reflects the tumultuous geopolitical reality of the country in the new millennium. Bordered by the Caucasus Mountains to the north, the Black Sea to the west, Azerbaijan to the east and Turkey to the south, Georgia stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and as such occupies an extremely strategic position along the Silk Route. This fascinating land is home to one of the most hospitable people in the world whose culture dates back to the Bronze Age. This guide explores the various regions of the country in depth, focusing on the Golden Age of Georgian culture in art and architecture during the medieval period but by no means neglecting the bar and restaurant scene of today. Literary excerpts from renowned Georgian and European authors, as well as from the national epic, <I>The Knight in the Panther's Skin</I>, provide added insight. This is the guide to have when touring the Caucasus and the one the <I>New York Times</I> called, "the best guidebook to Georgia." <UL> <LI> This guide explores an extraordinarily beautiful country which at the same time has enormous strategic importance within the region <LI> Comprehensive study of the country's religion, art and architecture <LI> Literary excerpts provide an insight into a culture little known in the West <LI> Detailed section on local food, wine and Georgian hospitality <LI> Overview of business environment <LI> Authoritative history of Georgia from tribal rule to national independence <LI>Useful websites <LI> 101 color photographs <LI> 22 maps and plans </UL>