A nicely illustrated, scholarly and readdable history of Dubrovnik from its origins in the 7th century until the collapse of the Republic in 1808. Journalist Robin Harris, who writes frequently on the Balkans, presents a comprehensive portrait of the historically important maritime city-state. Recommended for the serious-minded traveler. With 52 color plates. During its heyday in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ragusan Republic (as Dubrovnik was also called) rivaled Venice as a commercial power in the Adriatic.  (BLK56, $24.95)