Map of the Homeland

Peter Vail (1949–2009) — a renowned journalist, writer, and one of the founders of the genre of Russian post-war essays, author of the books "Genius of Place," "Poems About Me." Additionally, in collaboration with A. Genius, he co-authored "Native Speech," "Russian Cuisine in Exile," and others. Peter Vail emigrated from the USSR in 1977 and lived abroad until the end of his life.

"Map of the Homeland" is an example of travel prose, enriched with lyrical digressions and witty journalism. All of Vail's observations are filtered through his rich personal experience — the experience of a citizen of the world, a connoisseur of literature and history, and a sophisticated gourmet. He embarks on a journey in search of the country where he was born, which he left, and which no longer exists.