Our reference materials are presented by date of publication except for "These Names Accuse," documenting Soviet deportations, second edition (1982), listed as 1942, the year the first list of deportees' names was released. All reference materials reproduced on our site are included below. Our book reviews and biographies are listed separately.

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  • Cosmographia UniversalisCosmographia Universalis, Sebastian Munsters, 1544The quintessential view of the Riga skyline circa 1550, and still recognizable today, from Sebastian Munster's "Cosmographia Universalis", and a fragment of the Lord's Prayer in Latvian.
  • Russia TravelsTravels Into Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Denmark, William Coxe, T. Caddell, 1790Historian-clergyman cum tutor-traveling companion to the nobility Coxe's account of his travels through Livonia, from Volume III, Chapter IV. Of particular interest are his statistics on Rīga's shipping and international trade from the 1780's.
  • Foreign Corn PortsForeign Corn Ports—Riga, The Illustrated London News, May 15, 1847News article with engraved illustrations.
  • Town of RigaThe Town of Riga, Ballou's Monthly Magazine, February, 1872An informative, if brief, account of Rīga at its zenith as the second largest port of the Russian empire, and of the history, geography, fauna, and inhabitants of Livonia.
  • Livländische SchweizLivländische Schweiz (The Livonian Switzerland), C. Schulz, ca. 1880A scenic Latvian photo album (20 pictures) of the Gauja river valley surrounding Sigulda.
  • Baltic RussiaBaltic Russia, Henry Lansdell, Harper's New Monthly Magazine, New York, July 1890Lansdell's richly illustrated travelogue, one of a number which appeared in Harper's from 1887 to 1891, offers a Baltic Russian potpourri of information, from educational expenditures by ethnicity to observations on segregated nude bathing.
  • "Riga" ca. 1897"RIGA", The National Encyclopedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, William Mackenzie, London, ca. 1897Encyclopedia entry for Rīga, including an engraved illustration of a harbor scene.
  • The Lord's PrayerThe Lord's Prayer in 500 Languages, George E. Hay, Gilbert & Rivington, London, 1905Latvian, Liv, Estonian, Lithuanian, Samogitian, Finnish, and Old Prussian excerpted. We compare the Lord's Prayer in early 16th, 20th, and current Latvian.
  • Album "Riga—Рига"Album "Riga—Рига", ca. 1910Three dozen large-format photos of Riga at the start of the 20th century.
  • Latvia — Lettish LifeLatvia — Lettish Life in Legendary & Modern Times, Florence Farmborough, various publishers, ca. 1920Farmborough's vivid and copiously illustrated account of the newly independent Latvia: the challenges of recovering from the devastation of war, an intimate look into daily life, and hope expressed for the future. From J. A. Hammerton's encyclopedia, Peoples of All Nations: Their Life Today and Story of Their Past.
  • Devastated Latvia, 1921Devastated Latvia, photographed and published 1921 (LATVIAN, Latvijas Izpostīto Apgabalu Kongresa Padomes izdevums uzņemts u. izdots 1921 g.), Mārtiņš Lapiņš, Latvijas Izpostīto Apgabalu Kongresa Padome, 1921Photo album issued by the Latvia's Devastated Regions Congress Council in 1921 documenting the destruction left in the wake of WWI and Latvia's War of Independence.
  • Opera ProgramLatvian National Opera program (LATVIAN, Latvijas Nacionālas Operas nedēļas repertuārs), April 1923Opera attendees' program for April 17 through 28, 1923, restored and facsimile with translation
  • Jānis Čakste In MemoriamJānis Čakste Memorial Album (LATVIAN, Pirmā Latvijas Valsts Prezidenta Jāņa Čakstes Piemiņai), Latvian Young People's Christian Society "Christian Endevor", 1927Photo album dedicated to Latvia's first President upon his death in office.
  • World Agriculture—LatviaWorld Agriculture—Latvia, multiple authors, World Agriculture Corporation, 1927Series of articles on the state and development of Latvia's agriculture and forestry since the end of WWI and War of Independence.
  • The Four New Baltic States"Estonia", "Finland", "Lithuania", "Latvia", The New Human Interest Library. Vol. V., Midland Press, Chicago, 1928Articles about the four new Baltic states, a decade after independence. Illustrations and photographs.
  • Latvian ButterLatvian Butter (GERMAN, Lettische Butter), National Butter Export Control of Latvia, 1929Between the wars, Germany grew to become the largest customer for Latvia's prized butter exports. By 1928, the year prior to publication, Latvia was the 10th largest butter exporter in the world with 85% of its butter export going to Germany.
  • "Russia Today""Russia Today", A. Benenson, The Ottawa Citizen, 1931Canadian émigré A. Benenson expresses alarm over Polish armaments and sorrow over Latvia's post-WWI de-industrialization in a letter to the editior from his new homeland.
  • Freedom MonumentFreedom Monument (LATVIAN, Brīvības Piemineklis), Jānis Siliņš, Brīvības Pieminekļa Komiteja, 1935Art critic Jānis Siliņš's detailed discussion of the Freedom Monument, published by the Freedom Monument Committee.
  • Is War Inevitable?J. Stalin — Is War Inevitable?, Roy W. Howard (interviewer), Stalin, Friends of the Soviet Union, 1936"The Full Text of the Famous Stalin—Howard Interview" of March 1st, 1936, originally carried in U.S. and Soviet news media and subsequently published by the Friends of the Soviet Union for Western consumption. Reading between the lines and redaction by the Chief Censor of the Soviet Union, Stalin admits to not achieving Communism and resorts to memory lapses and protestations of absurdity when confronted with the USSR's failure to comply with its commitment to respect the U.S.
  • Arts & Crafts ExhibitionThe First Latvian Arts and Crafts Exhibition Catalog (LATVIAN, Pirmās Latvijas Daiļamatniecības Izstādes Katalogs), Valstspapīru Spiestuve, 1937Essays on the exhibition and aspects of traditional arts and crafts. B&W and color plates of exhibit objects.
  • Latvia for TravelersLatvia for Travelers (GERMAN, Lettland für Reisende), Latvian government brochure, ca. 1937Latvia sought to regain its pre-WWI stature as a tourist destination—its Gauja river valley having been known as the "Livonian Switzerland." The brochure features sights, activities, a brief history of Latvia, and information for German tourists.
  • Latvian SignsAn ABC of Latvian Signs (LATVIAN, Latvju Rakstu Ābecīte), Latviešu Bērnu Draudzības Savienība, 1939A child's primer on the basics of Latvian ornaments and examples of how more complex forms are then constructed. Facsimile.
  • Molotov–Ribbentrop PactMolotov–Ribbentrop Pact, 1939Text of the secret protocol carving up Eastern Europe between Stalin and Hitler.
  • The First Months of the WarThe First Months of the War, Mr. Munters Speaks at the University, Latvian Economic Review, No. 2 (18) April 1940, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1940Foreign Minister Vilhelms Munters' speech at the University of Latvia, asking, infamously : "I should like to ask, where now is the sovietisation against which we were warned...?"
  • Soviet War NewsThe Soviet Union, Finland, and the Baltic States, Soviet War News, Soviet Information Bureau, 1941In a monograph published after the Winter War and toward the end of its first occupation of the Baltic states, the Soviet Union blames the Finns and Balts for their troubles, only the Soviets have consistently engaged in "neighbourly relations," rebuffed by its neighbors at every turn. A classic study in Stalinist propaganda and a version of history still familiar in official Russian rhetoric.
  • These Names AccuseThese Names Accuse—Nominal List of Latvians Deported to Soviet Russia in 1940-41, Second edition with supplementary list, Latvian National Foundation, Stockholm, 1982 (list, 1942)History leading up to and including the Soviet invasion of the Baltics, the first Soviet occupation, and the first mass deportations of 1941. The originally compiled list of names was published in Riga in 1942. Documents, photographs, partial list of names. Introductory page includes links to searchable databases of the deported.
  • A Shepherd DiedA Shepherd DiedA miniature folk song booklet published by Tautas Palīdzība (Peoples' Welfare) in war-time Latvia and given out for donations to help the orphaned and widowed, illustrated by a popular Latvian pre-war and post-war diaspora artist—and who dated Peters's father while they studied together at the Academy of Art.
  • Polish–Soviet BreakBehind the Polish–Soviet Break, Alter Brody, introduced by Corliss Lamont, Soviet Russia Today, New York, 1943After the Poles rightfully blamed the Katyn massacre on the Soviets, the USSR denounced (Molotov's letter, included) the accusation as a "Hitlerite slanderous fake." Within two weeks the USSR severed relations with the Polish Government-in-Exile. Beyond alleging Polish lies, Alter Brody's monograph goes on to characterize the Polish people as an ungrateful scourge upon history—portending the post-WWII portrayal of anti-Soviet Eastern European nationalists as fascists.
  • Nazi Occupation in 1943Latvia Under German Occupation in 1943, Alfreds Bīlmanis (uncredited), Latvian Legation, Washington, DC, 1944The Latvian diplomatic corps reports on Latvia's third year under Nazi occupation, recounting still-fresh events.
  • What Latvia Wishes?What Latvia Wishes From This War?, Alfreds Bīlmanis, Latvian Legation, Washington DC, 1944As head of the Latvian Foreign Ministry's press division, Alfreds Bīlmanis (1887-1948) actively promoted independent Latvia's interests abroad. His war-time monograph, subtitled: "Background, Current Situation, Hopes for the Future"—written while there was still hope for Latvia's post-war freedom—dispels still-prevalent misunderstandings regarding the historical inter-relationships of the Baltics, Europe, and Russia.
  • 1945 Literary Almanac1945 Literary Almanac (LATVIAN, Literatūras Gada Grāmata), E. Damburs, ed., VAPP Fine Literature Publisher, 1945Still at war, Latvian Communists serving the Soviet cause declare literary Russification an enrichment of Latvian culture.
  • Zedelgem POW CampZedelgem POW Camp 2227  Latvians whose only "crime" was to fight to free their homeland after multiple invasions are called Nazis and shot as target practice. Today, official Russia and others invested in the "Latvians are Nazis" meme keep the lie alive.
  • Esslingen DP campAn UNRRA Assembly Centre, Esslingen o/Neckar, Feliks Krusa, Latvian News, Esslingen am Neckar, September, 1946UNRRA sponsored booklet describing all aspects of DP camp life at Esslingen. Introduction by René Pinczon du Sel, Director UNRRA Assembly Centre Esslingen. Digitized and facsimile.
  • Summer ScenesLatvia II, Summer Scenes (LATVIAN, LATVIJA II, Vasaras Skati), A. Grapmanis, Jaunā Vārda Apgāds, 1946Album of nine plates of photographs with captions in Latvian and English
  • Junker's DP CampJunkers DP Camp Kassel-Bettenhausen, D. F. McGonigal, UNRRA, 1947Original report, includes photographs and other exhibits; produced by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration
  • Skalbe's Collected WorksSkalbe's Collected Works, Volume One (LATVIAN, Skalbe—Kopoti Raksti), Auseklis, Stuttgart, authorized by UNRRA, 1947Excerpted and translated poetry.
  • 1947 Exiles' Calendar1947 Latvian Exile's Calendar (LATVIAN, Latviesu Trimdinieka Kalendars 1947), J. Grīnblats, Fürth, 1946Complete facsimile with poetry translations. Published during the post-WWII Displaced Persons camps era.
  • Fischbach Song DayFischbach Song Day, June 27, 1948 (LATVIAN, Pirmo Latvieši vispārejo Dziesmu svētku 75 gadu atceres Dziesmu diena, Fišbachā pie Nirnbergas, 1948. gada 27. jūnijā), Kārlis Puriņš, Viktors Puriņš, 1948Latvians in the Displaced Persons camps of Fischbach and Märzfeld in Nuremberg and environs gather to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the very first Latvian Song Festival (in 1873, in Rīga, with over 1,000 singers participating). Photo album of 24 pictures, with foreword by composer and Fischbach DP camp elder Jēkabs Poruks.
  • European Unification and LatviaThe European Unification Movement and Us (LATVIAN, Eiropas apvienošanas kustība un mēs), Modris Gulbis, Latvian Association for a "European Union", 1948Gulbis makes the case that a European Union must be created to ensure the future welfare of the European continent and Latvia.
  • Shall Latvians Perish?Shall Latvians Perish? An Urgent Appeal of the Latvian National Council to the Civilized World , Latvian National Council, 1948Latvian organized in the post-WWII Displaced Persons Camps in Germany appeal to the western powers to support the restoration of Baltic sovereignty and independence.
  • Anna Dārziņa Post CardsLatvian folk costumes, Anna Dāŗziņa, Esslingen DP Camp, Jānis Liepiņš, ca. 1949Illustrations of Latvian folk costumes. Set of 18 postcards.
  • Latvian KitchenThe Latvian and Modern Kitchen (LATVIAN, Latviskā un Modernā Virtuve), Fischbach Latvian Committee Literary Publisher, 1949Traditional Latvian recipes, excerpts and translations for pīrāgi, galerts, and kotletes, published at the Fischbach DP Camp, Germany.
  • The Story of LatviaThe Story of Latvia—A Historical Survey, Latvian National Foundation, Stockholm, 1949Švābe's concise history of Latvia, from the Balts inhabiting what is today western Russia through the continuation of Soviet occupation into the post-WWII era. PDF available.
  • Latvian Artists' Group NYCLatvian Artists' Group in New York (LATVIAN, Latviešu mākslinieku grupa Ņujorkā)Post-war émigré Latvian artists' association. Catalogue from 6th annual art exhibit held at the Barbizon Plaza in New York City and other artifacts.
  • First USA Song FestivalThe First Latvian Song Festival in America, Chicago, 1953Mixed choir participants' music. 21 songs, complete.
  • Festival of Lithuanian Art and MusicFestival of Lithuanian Art and Music, National Lithuanian Society of America, 1953Lithuanian exile community celebrates the anniversary of Lithuania's original founding with art, a concert, and banquet in Washington, D.C. Festival program transcribed and PDF facsimile.
  • Soviet EstoniaEstonia, Wonderful Present—Marvellous Future, Aleksei Müürisepp, Soviet Booklets, London, 1959Career apparatchik and then soon-to-be 5th Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR Aleksey Aleksandrovich Myurisepp waxes eloquently of life under the U.S.S.R., one of a series of propaganda booklets produced about each of the fifteen Soviet Republics.
  • Soviet LatviaLatvia—Our Dream is Coming True, Vilis Lācis, Soviet Booklets, London, 1959Popular author during Latvia's pre-WWII independence and Soviet sympathizer signing deportation orders sending families to frosty death, Vilis Lācis writes of the materialization of Latvian dreams under the U.S.S.R., one of a series of propaganda booklets produced about each of the fifteen Soviet Republics.
  • Along Latvia's RoadsAlong Latvia's Roads (LATVIAN, Pa Latvijas Ceļiem), J. Opmanis, Liesma, ca. 1960Soviet era postcards reminiscent of America's "See the USA in your Chevrolet" ad campaign.
  • Soviet RīgaRīga / Рига / Riga / Riika / ريغا Granovsky Album, Naum Granovsky, Foreign Language Publishing House, Moscow, ca. 1960Soviet fold-out of colorized post-card sized images of Rīga. Captioned in eight languages and extolling the benefits, virtues, and accomplishments of the Soviet era.
  • Folk Costume Fold-OutsSoviet Era Folk Costume Foldouts, Latvian State Publishing House, ca. 1960Collection of women's and men's folk costume Soviet era souvenir fold-outs, depicting costumes from various regions of Latvia and including descriptions in French, English, Russian, and Latvian.
  • Fridrihs BriedisFridrihs Briedis (LATVIAN, Briedis: īss dzīves stāsts ar 12 ilustracijām pēc Aleksandra Plensnera manuscripta), Aleksandrs Plensners, Mikelis Goppers; David Guild, trans., 1963Biography of Fridrihs Briedis (June 23, 1888–August 28, 1918), a Latvian colonel and the first and one of the most famous Latvian Riflemen commanders. He eventually sided with the Whites against the Bolsheviks, who captured and executed him in 1918. Latvian and English translation.
  • The Golden HorseThe Golden Horse, 1965 performance (LATVIAN, Zelta Zirgs)Elementary Latvian school students of the New York metropolitan area stage Rainis' Christmas play, celebrating the centenary of his birth.
  • Latvia and the LatviansAttitudes of the Major Soviet Nationalities, Latvia and the Latvians, Frederic T. Harned, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1973Part of a wider set of detailed studies on all the peoples of the Soviet Union. The study was a project of M.I.T.'s Center for International Studies.
  • Soviet AggressionSoviet Aggression Against the Baltic States, Augusts Rumpēters, The World Federation of Free Latvians, New York, 1974Augusts Rumpēters (1899–1978) served in the Supreme Court Senate of the Republic of Latvia. His cogent and superbly annotated dissertation provides pertinent counterpoint to those who continue to insist the Baltics joined the USSR willingly and legally.
  • How Stalin Got the BalticsHow Stalin Got the Baltic States—The Search for Historical Truth, Vilnis V. Šveics, 1989Professor Vilnis V. Šveics' concise and revelatory monograph on the descent of the Baltic states into Soviet domination conclusively documents that the image of France, Britain, and the United States as champions of Baltic independence is a post-WWII fiction.
  • A Brief HistoryA Brief History of Latvia, Latvian Foreign Ministry, 2000Key aspects of and events in Latvian history.
  • Signs, Swastikas, MittensSigns, Swastikas, Rhetoric, and Mittens for NATO, Latvian Foreign Ministry et al., 2006Latvian deities and their signs, the place of the swastika in Latvian culture, and all 5,260 pairs of mittens knitted for the 2006 NATO conference in Rīga, Latvia.
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