This unique and fascinating collection is a valuable contribution to the Anthropology of Tourism and to cultural anthropological studies more generally with scholarship that developed at a time when the possibilities of cross-border exchanges between countries behind the so-called Iron Curtain and those in the West, either for tourists or academics, were limited. Bringing together scholars from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with those from Western Europe and the United States the book brings fresh insights into issues relating to, among others, heritage, urban exploration, gender, globalization, handicrafts and food and alcohol related tourism. Drawing on examples from both within and outside the CEE the volume utilizes tourism as a tool to understand cultural and economic processes that not only enrich debates in the study of tourism but also gives voice to scholars from CEE to make contribution to developments in the discipline of anthropology. Using the bridge as a metaphor the book is not only grounded on developing links between CEE and the Anglophone world of scholarship but ends with a request to build upon and further the foundations the volume has laid out for us. At a time when identity politics is on the rise and we seem to be seeing the pulling across of new ‘Iron Curtains’ the invitation to walk across the bridge appears ever more urgent and makes this book essential reading for us all.

Hazel Andrews, Liverpool John Moores University

Anthropology of Tourism in Central and Eastern Europe is a pioneering collection, edited by two renowned Polish authorities, on the anthropology of tourism that demonstrates the dynamic nature of travel and tourism and emphasizes the freshness of this research area. This is the first study of its kind to give voice to a wide range of research from scholars from Central and Eastern Europe and is an essential source for researchers, teachers, and students of tourism, anthropology, human geography, and European studies.

Hana Horáková, Metropolitan University Prague

This volume is invaluable for scholars interested in the (still) under-represented region of Eastern and Central Europe. It bridges the divide between East and West both in its case studies, but also academically by firmly positioning the region into broader scholarly output. More importantly, it presents anthropological and ethno-historiographic findings of over a dozen scholars from the region. From hedonistic experiences of food and drink in Eastern and Central Europe, to debates on heritage tourism, this volume is an addition to the field.

Mark Keck-Szajbel, Europa-Universität Viadrina