Description

Following the Amber Route from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, C. J. Schuler charts the origins of amber, the myths and legends that have grown around it, and the dazzling artefacts crafted from it and traded along the way. Schuler reflects on the route’s violent history through the centuries, not least his own family’s experience of persecution and flight.

Publisher Review

An excellent book, and perfect holiday reading. Deeply moving. * Edward Biddulph, Oxford Archaeology * Artfully woven into these stories is a contemporary travelogue of [Schuler's] experience; a poetic memoir of his experience of constantly moving through these landscapes -- Rachel Lichtenstein, author of Estuary and Rodinsky's Room Crisp, quirky dialogue and incisive scene-sketching [...] full of incident and anecdote and the oddest facts imaginable. Pure pleasure. -- Ian Thomson, author of The Dead Yard: Tales of Modern Jamaica A rich and rewarding read, providing a kaleidoscopic multi-layered view of Central Europe.' * BookBlast * Packed with intriguing diversions through former Soviet states, the author's journey begins in St Petersburg's Amber Room and intertwines with the story of his grandfather's flight from Nazi Germany. * Lonely Planet * This timely and powerful book is more than an enticing travelogue or a paean to amber. -- Sue Gaisford * The Financial Times * Wonderful account of the story of amber. -- Phillip Adams * Late Night Live on ABC * Charming. * The Daily Mail *