In this book by the well-known poet and philologist, Professor at Yale University Thomas Venclova, the capital of Lithuania appears multi-layered—just like its 700-year history. A fantastic blend of languages, traditions, and religions that existed east of the Elbe regardless of political borders created a uniquely special aura of the city. The author tells about Vilnius, which has now become the center of a young state ready for a challenge called Europe.