Recommended Reading for the Baltic states
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
We are often asked by our clients for reading recommendations as they plan or prepare for their visit to the Baltic states. This list is far from exhaustive, there are many more excellent publications about the Baltic states so don't hesitate to ask for further suggestions especially on specialist topics.
Do consider buying your books from your local independent bookseller or from the publisher direct.
Travel
Did you know?
Our Sally and Linas are author and researcher of the new Bradt Guide to Lithuania (2025), the only dedicated English-language guidebook to Lithuania.
Bradt Guide Lithuania
by Sally Chambers & Linas Zabaliunas
Bradt Guide Latvia
by Paul Brummell
Bradt Guide Estonia
by Neil Taylor
25% off all Bradt guidebooks
Email Sally for a special discount code to receive 25% off all Bradt guidebooks ordered at www.bradtguides.com
Get your discount codeHistory
Understanding the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania since 1991 by Charles Clarke
A Concise History of the Baltic States - Cambridge Concise Histories by Andrejs Plakans
The Baltic Story: A Thousand-Year History of Its Lands, Sea and Peoples by Caroline Boggis-Rolfe
The Baltic States in the Second World War: A History by Dan Kaszeta
Lithuania: A History
by Richard Butterwick
Latvia: A Short History
by Mara Kalnins
Estonia: A Modern History
by Neil Taylor
Culture
Baltica: Pattern and Design Coloring Book - Baltic Folk Art Patterns 6 by Alice Koko
Baltic: New & Old Recipes: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania by Simon Bajada
Baltic Souls: remarkable life stories from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania Paperback by Jan Brokken
The Forest Brotherhood: Baltic Resistance against the Nazis and Soviets by Dan Kaszeta
Fiction
Soviet Milk by Nora Ikstena
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirähk
When the Doves Disappeared by Sofi Oksanen
Singing Revolution (film)
We highly recommend watching the 'Singing Revolution' documentary online at www.singingrevolution.com. It shares how, between 1987 and 1991, hundreds of thousands of Estonians gathered publicly to sing forbidden patriotic songs and share protest speeches, risking their lives to proclaim their desire for independence. This singing revolution was echoed in Latvia and Lithuania and became a powerful movement that accelerated the downfall of the USSR and subsequent independence for the three Baltic nations.