This book is a first attempt to present the history of Lithuania in English after a long period of silence. It is neither an academic study nor a textbook, but rather an updated overwiev of Lithuanian history in a short form for anybody interested in the subject matter. The text originated from the series of talks on Lithuanian history given by Dr. Stasys Samalavičius and broadcasted by External Service of Radio Vilnius during the past few years. 
The huge interest in these series as well as positive response has encouraged the author to present concise history of Lithuania in a form of a book. 

Dr. Stasys Samalavičius (1930-1992) always remained true to the subject matter despite of ideological trends supervising historical studies during the Soviet years. Choosing a rather neglected subject: the Lithuanian 16-18th centuries deprivileged from the mainstream of historical research he remained true to the subject all life long. His numerous publications include research on on Lithuanian towndwellers life of 16-18th centuries, crafts and trade, art and architecture of the mentioned period. For an number of years the author was a Senior Associate of Lithuanian Institute of Restoration and Lithuanian Institute of History (Research center for Castle`s), lectured on British history at Vilnius University and was elected the First General Secretary of the re-established National Committee of Historical Sciences.

Kaunas, 1995
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