I'm not a history or architecture buff, and don't plan on becoming one any time soon. However, Croatia has a fascinating history, and many of its towns and structures reflect the influences of different empires over time. While this won't be the focus of my upcoming trip to Croatia, I'd love to learn a little about Croatia's history and architectural influences so I can have some appreciation for it while I'm there. So:

Any book recommendations that are interesting/easy reads for a non-history buff that do a good job of explaining Croatia's history?

Any guide book recommendations that explain the historical or architectural significance of a town or site in addition to just describing the best sites to see?

Any museum recommendations while in Croatia (in any town along the driving route from Zagreb to Zadar to Dubrovnik)? Seems like almost every large town has its own archeological museum (or at least Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik do). Did you find any of these (or other museums) educational and interesting as to Croatia's history, or were they mostly just a collection of artifacts without good English descriptions of their significance?

Thanks so much!

OMG, you are so right -- Croatia has a fascinating history, and an unusual range of architectural heritages. I'm so glad to see your questions!

The best guidebooks, IMO, for coverage of history and architecture, are:
#1: the <i>National Geographic Traveler: Croatia</i>
#2: the <i>Eyewitness Travel Guides Croatia</i> and
#3: the <i>Rough Guide.</i>

At the advice of a friend, I read a history of the region that I thought quite informative -- but I don't remember the name! I will try to find it for you....

I visited a LOT of Croatia's museums, including all the ones you mention, and found much to treasure in each. As you narrow down you options, and hone your questions, I will be happy to offer more specific comments.

Hope that helps!

I can recommend Zagreb: A Cultural History (available on Amazon). A Traveller's History of Croatia looks good as well.