Azerbaijan is a little-known country to us, probably associated with the former Soviet Republics and with associations to the Caspian shores. This book almost hypnotically unfolds the geography, history, and culture of Azerbaijan, as well as the side streets of its major and smaller cities, with their people and their lives.

From storms, snow, and relentless winds, we move to opera, musical comedy, cinema, and jazz, to the poetry of the Azeris, and to information such as that of the Nobel brothers and their oil business that flourished in Baku.

A book aimed at all of us who live on the border of East and West, introducing us to a country and a culture that is distant yet unexpectedly familiar.