In the library of ASM Group, in addition to modern publications, there are such classics as Towers in the Mountains. This work by Arkady Goldstein, published in 1977, is probably known to anyone who was even slightly interested in the architecture of the Caucasus. A book with which you can safely begin to get acquainted with the culture of this region.

The author has studied the culture and life of the peoples of the Caucasus for many years, and “Towers in the Mountains” in the form of travel notes describe and systematize architectural monuments that were studied by him during his travels.

Written in a popular science style, this book is extremely fascinating. There are no strict scientific descriptions, rather the immediate sensations of the author from what he saw - but this is the view of a professional who is well versed in the subject and who knows how to explain it clearly and easily to anyone who wants.

He talks about the main types of towers, their peculiarities depending on the region, and about the crypts, and sanctuaries – in short, about everything that is important to know when starting to study the architecture of the North Caucasus. “The art of the Caucasian highlanders is peculiar. It may impress the imagination with its exoticity, but if we want to understand it, we will delve into what gave rise to it. – A.F. Goldstein.