Immerse yourself in the legends and folklore of Kraków’s historic centre by picking up Maciej Miezian’s excellent Kraków’s Old Town (Wydawnictwo Bezdroża, 2004). Packed with entertaining anecdotes this paperback companion is a romp through the area’s history, and Miezian leaves no stone unturned in this meticulous work. Writing with colourful enthusiasm the author’s style is breezy and infectious, far removed from turgid ramblings of other historians who have tried but failed to write about the city in the manner it warrants. Traditionally the preserve of speccy, reclusive professors, Miezian brings Kraków’s past alive with his prose, and is not averse to cheeky observations. It’s in this work we learn that attendances were boosted in the early years of the Słowacki theatre by the figures of topless women, and of the fiery temperament of the local intelligentsia: ‘the students often started brawls. And they were good fighters. Once, when despairing town councillors sent canons against the students, they took them over, aimed them at the town hall and demanded various concessions’. Other observations include the assertion that Veit Stoss’ altar in St Mary’s was so well detailed that scientists were able to conduct a study on medieval skin conditions, concluding that syphilis was doing a roaring business in Europe long before Columbus had returned from the Americas. From cover to cover this is a fascinating read, admirably translated, and a superb tool for anyone yearning to explore the lesser known side of Kraków’s rich history. Find it in all good bookshops retailing at about 35zł.