Unseen Treasures: Imperial Russia and the New World is a happy and timely reminder of a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship that has endured 200 years of the vicissitudes of history. Russia supported American independence in the reign of Catherine the Great and subsequent;y encouraged President Lincoln during his struggle to preserve our Union. These are but two examples of the 19th century bonds between our two countries...Today as we contemplate and implement the growing interdependence of business enterprises, we are here reminded that we are not so much preparing new ground as following furrows first ploughed by our pioneering ancestors in both countries.

-- James Billington, Librarian of Congress