Leaders of countries visiting St.Petersburg receive as present unique book about the city

The leaders of the states, who took part in the festivities dedicated to the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, were presented with a book about the Russian Northern Capital - such is the romantic name of the city.

Over forty leading Russian museums, charitable funds, and state and commercial organisations took part in compiling this book, which has been entitled "Saint Petersburg 1703-2003." The editorial board was headed by Hermitage director Mikhail Piotrovsky. The work has been carried out jointly with the Russian President's Business Management Administration.

As Piotrovsky told reporters on Monday, the book was prepared specially for the jubilee of the city; it has become the main book about its 300th anniversary.

He book, which has over a thousand pages, consists of eleven chapters and includes more than a thousand illustrations and photographs reflecting various stages of the foundation and the history of the city and also tells about its historical and cultural values. The book cover is made of two-colour stamped leather and the edge is decorated with silver. It is packed into a special box with the emblem of St. Petersburg on it and weighs about ten kilograms.

In the days of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the city President Vladimir Putin presented the first copies of the book to forty-five heads of the foreign states, who had arrived for the summit.

In the near future, prominent figures in culture, politicians and representatives of the elite of the world business will become the owners of this unique book.