News

An Evening of Walking, Stories, and the Caucasus Prospero’s was delighted to welcome writer and historian Peter Nasmyth for the launch of his latest book, Walking in the Caucasus. On a warm summer evening, our bookshop was filled with readers, travellers, historians, and lovers of the Caucasus, all brought together by a shared curiosity about this extraordinary region. Peter spoke about the journeys that shaped the book, the people he met along the way, and how walking offers a unique way of understanding a landscape—not only through its mountains and valleys, but through its history, cultures, and everyday life. The conversation that followed reflected exactly what we hope every event at Prospero’s will inspire: thoughtful questions, lively discussion, and genuine exchange between author and audience. It was an evening that reminded us that books are not simply objects on shelves—they are invitations to explore, to listen, and to see familiar places with fresh eyes. As a bookshop in the heart of Tbilisi, we are especially proud to host conversations that celebrate the richness and diversity of the Caucasus. We thank Peter Nasmyth for sharing his work with us and everyone who joined us to make the evening so memorable. We look forward to welcoming you to many more literary evenings at Prospero’s. Next

A Peace Corps volunteer is sent to the country Georgia and ends up redefining nightlife in the capital. A listless American youth seeks purpose by joining the Peace Corps, Cory Greenberg instead found a place that not only doesn’t require structure, but rewards those that thrive without it. He expected to spend two years serving a developing community and then go home and instead, he fell in love with the chaos of the Caucasus—a land of ancient traditions, (sometimes) streamlined bureaucracy, and hospitality so overwhelming it borders on aggression. When his service ended, he didn't leave, he doubled down, and with no prior experience and a reckless amount of confidence, he decided to open a bar. It spiraled into nightlife institution in the heart of the Tbilisi. Tbilisi Madness is the candid, uncensored story of that journey. It is a memoir about the difference between visiting a culture and absorbing it. From remote mountain villages to Soviet-era cities, and partying until the sun comes up over the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi Madness is what happens when you start having too much fun in Georgia. In this gritty, humorous memoir, you will discover: The Unvarnished Truth: A look at Georgia beyond the travel blogs—the real cost of doing business in a post-Soviet state. The Expat Reality: The loneliness, hilarity, and thrill of building a life in a language you are still learning. The Business of Chaos: How to build a brand when the rules change daily (and sometimes don't exist at all). A Love Letter to Tbilisi: A deep dive into the food, Next

The Launch of The Galata Triangle by Manana Kimetidze On 18 February, Prospero’s had the pleasure of hosting the launch of The Galata Triangle by Georgian author Manana Kimetidze. The evening brought together readers, writers, and lovers of literature for a thoughtful conversation about the novel, its inspirations, and the creative journey behind it. Manana Kimetidze shared insights into the themes that shape the book, while guests had the opportunity to engage with the author through questions and discussion. Book launches are more than celebrations of new publications—they are moments when literature comes alive through dialogue, reflection, and the meeting of author and reader. The event was a wonderful reminder of the important role that books continue to play in bringing people together. We are grateful to Manana Kimetidze and to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening. Prospero’s remains committed to fostering literary conversation and celebrating the voices that enrich Georgia’s cultural landscape.         Next

The art of history, so they say, was born in the flickering of a campfire. ‘Character in Georgia,’ by Aka Morchiladze and Peter Nasmyth, returns us to this historical ethos as a litany of tales to be shared and celebrated. In its pages, we meet Georgia’s noble bandits, such as Arsena of Marabda, and its intellectual luminaries, such as Ilia Chavchavadze. They emerge from the past fully-fleshed and ready to re-live the stories that inform the modern Georgian national character. To the English speaker, this book is nothing short of a gift for anyone hoping to get past the curtain of khinkali, good wine, and mustachioed men in chokhas. Character is an inspired version of Kartulis Rveulebi (Georgian Notebooks) by Aka Morchiladze, a historian and Georgia’s most celebrated contemporary writer of fiction. With the help of the talented translator Maya Kiasashvili, the text was placed in the hands of Peter Nasmyth, a well-known British writer who has lived part-time in Georgia for 30 years and authored a small collection of well-received books on the country. The key to Character’s accessibility to the English-speaker is Nasmyth’s charming writing style and deep appreciation for his subject. Morchildaze’s original audience was, of course, the Georgian public, who require no introduction to the characters, contexts and geographies that provide the landscape of the book. Perhaps the most impressive achievement of Character is the mastery with which all necessary facts and historical contexts are woven seamlessly into the origi Next

On October 17, 2024, Prospero’s Books & Coffee celebrated the grand opening of its new store in Batumi, marking a significant milestone during the 25th anniversary of its original establishment in Tbilisi.  Known for its exceptional selection of English books and inviting coffee and snacks in a cosy space, Prospero’s Books has become a beloved cultural hub in Georgia. The new location in Batumi on 47 Mazniashvili Street promises to continue this tradition, offering a cosy space for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. The store is owned by our IWA Hospitality Chair, Tako MegrelishviliJohnson, and her husband, Steve Johnson, who are excited to bring their passion for books and community to Batumi. IWA Newsletter "The Grapewine" SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 issue Next