Bulgaria

A Concise History of Bulgaria (Cambridge Concise Histories)
$28.99
This is a very thorough book covering the whole history of Bulgaria in one volume. I would have liked more information about the mediaeval period such as Tsar Samuel's empire.

Culture Shock! Bulgaria (Culture Shock! Guides)
$15.95
There is very little in this book that can't also be found - often in more depth - in any Lonely Planet or Rough Guide. Much of the information about what is/isn't available in the country is also inaccurate; this book came out in 2008, yet it said numerous things were unavailable which I purchased regularly beginning in 2005.

I've read other Culture Shock books and learned a lot about the particulars of the culture and the views of the people, but this book was a disappointment in that regard. Other than quoting a sociologist who described Bulgaria as more collectivist than individualist, there was little useful insight on cultural points other than the usual "nodding your head means no." I felt as if the author had spent all her time among expatriates and rarely interacted with actual Bulgarians.

Skip this book and go with a good travel guide instead.

Bulgaria (Country Guide)
$23.99
I spent 2 weeks driving around Bulgaria in October 2009. I used this guide exclusively for accomodations and frequently for restaurants. I found it accurate and discerning. It led us to a number of unique and excellent hotels and with no losers. The restaurants it recommended were good choices. The description of the Bulgarian cities, travel sites, and history was good, helpful, and accurate. A good buy all around. Doug Van Vlear

The Rough Guide to Bulgaria 6 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)
$24.99
Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Bulgaria, the ultimate guide to this picturesque and largely undiscovered country. The full-colour section introduces Bulgaria¡Çs highlights, from the sunflower fields of the Balkan range to the country¡Çs wonderfully preserved heritage villages. Using informed accounts, clue-up on all the top sights from the spectacular Trigrad Gorge and the awe-inspiring Church of the Nativity at Arbanasi to the best beaches of the black sea coast. The guide takes a detailed look at Bulgarian history, literature, politics and Balkan cultural life with expert background on everything from the spectacular Rila Monastery to hiking in the Pirin mountains. There are plenty of practical tips on bird-watching, information on all the best accommodation, transportation and restaurants and lively reviews of hundreds of shops, bars and clubs. Discover every corner of Bulgaria with the clearest maps of any guide.