Hungary has only recently been re-discovered as one of Europe's treasuries of architecture and design. A voyage into the homes and countryside of this exotic European state, Living in Hungary opens in Budapest, where the inhabitants of Buda and Pest unwind in elegant cafés or bathhouses. Beyond the capital, a Danube cruise leads into the magyar provinces, Hungary's wine-producing regions, such as Tokaj, and glorious palaces and castles tucked away in the country's baroque heart. The 18-page Insider's Guide at the end of the book not only includes the best hotels, restaurants, cafés, and museums on offer, but also a whole range of original ideas for visitors who want to get a true taste of living in Hungary: traditional thermal baths and health centers,horseback-riding clubs, natural parks, wine tours, boat trips, and festival dates.

Jean-Luc Soulé is the former director of the French Institute of Budapest and has spent many years living in Hungary. He is the winner of numerous photography awards.

Alain Fleischer is also the photographer of Living in Tuscany and Living in Rome in the same series.

Since the fall of communism, former Eastern Bloc countries are becoming increasingly accessible to visitors from around the world. Part of Flammarion's "Living in" series, this beautiful book will certainly encourage travelers to explore Hungary, a country steeped in culture and history. Luckily for the contemporary tourist, buildings from ancient times through the 20th century have been preserved or restored, so that a great variety and depth of tourist attractions are to be seen in every part of Hungary. The book is divided into five chapters, including one devoted solely to Budapest and four to the country's main regions: the Danube, the Northern Uplands, Lake Balaton, and Transdanubia. "Essential Hungary" covers customs, food, and festivals, while the final chapter offers information on hotels, restaurants, museums, and local festivals and specialties. The book was originally written in French by Soul�, who spent years living in Hungary as a director of the French Institute in Budapest, and readers will sometimes puzzle over the translation. However, this defect fades when one views the plethora of stunning color photographs contributed by Hungarian-born award-winning photographer Fleischer. Definitely recommended for travel collections in all libraries.-Olga B. Wise, Austin, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.