"This publication strives to bring attention to unique legacy of Lithuania's culture - estates, castles, and city mansions - hundreds of years in the making. A desire to share the joy of seeing these reborn, lovingly-cared for estates and buildings, and the concern for those that are rapidly disappearing leads us to hope that these images will awaken a desire in the viewer to get to know, and to foster these cultural treasures. We trust that these singularly photographed buildings and their surroundings, views not often visible even to the observant eye, will encourage thoughts about their protection and rejuvenation, and in this way contribute at least minutely to the preservation of that legacy and the restoration of its value."