The Czech Reader: History, Culture, Politics (The World Readers)

Written in buffet style which allows the reader to select which writers and poets to be studied, this collection gives great insight into Czech history and culture. It is sure to please those, such as the reviewer, whose knowledge of this part of Europe is limited and who are curious as to some of the conflicts that existed for example between Czechs and Germans before World War II. It also offers a veiw into the consciousness of Czech citizens during the immoral occupation of their country by the Soviet Union and how they dealt with it personally and in their chosen professions. It is readily apparent that for the Czech people literature and poetry was a catharsis, they were wise to utilize it in this manner, as do many other peoples that have been subjected to tyranny, violent suppression, and censorship.The editors of the book do a fine job of putting the literary entries in a historical context by introducing them with an overview of the events of the time. The reviewer found in particular that this feature of the book, and the resulting selections give a better understanding for example of the reasons for Nazi interest in taking over the Sudentenland in 1938. More perhaps than any other single event before World War II, the Nazi excursion into the Sudentenland has been used in the West to justify the belief that one must not “appease” a dictator. Neville Chamberlain is constantly held up as the best example in history of poor diplomacy, and the reviewer is not aware of any studies that challenge this belief. A study of this book may however lead readers to conclude that the situation between Germans and Czechs was more complex than the Western press asserts as axiomatic.The Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968 has resulted in a voluminous literature and commentary on this event. This book will serve as an introduction to this literature and even to some of the documentaries and movies that have been created on this topic. Some of the political and literary figures during the time of Soviet occupation such as Vaclav Havel and Milan Kundera are discussed with some detail, allowing readers to investigate their contributions to Czech politics and literature in more depth if desired.

Just received this book in the mail a few days ago and, already, I'm about 1/5 of the way through it. I bought another book called "Central Europe," and am using The Czech Reader to supplement the information given in the latter. The Czech Reader is making all of the info much more personal, as far as perspective and intimacy with those who experienced history first-hand is concerned. I HIGHLY recommend The Czech Reader. It's not only informative, but very easy to read. On my lunch hour today, I read about 40 pages before realizing my hour was already up! I hope these readers are available for other nations, as well!

This book was purchased as a textbook for a study abroad program to the Czech Republic. I was pleased with the choice-the book is easy to read, to follow, and provides the reader with a LOT of valuable information. While visiting the Czech Republic (specifically, Prague) I was able to recall information from the book. Overall, a pleasing textbook and informative book.

Gave to daughter for her upcoming trip - now she can be better grounded in what she's going to see and experience.

Good book.

I ended up returning this. I didn't realize it was an academic book. It's really a series of scholarly articles bound together. Probably very informative, but it wasn't what I was looking for. If you're looking for an introductory culture guide, this is not it.

This book will keep you busy for a while. Good selections, all of which will lead you to do more digging. Serious excerpts. Exactly what an anthology should be, in my view.

If you are searching for info about the Czech Republic this book has many pages but will not shine much light on the subject. Lot of info about poets, writers, musicians, and fiction writers but very few chapters provide history that can help understand their history. Most of the book is a waste of money to fill up lots of pages.

Good selection of readings, but the commentaries that link them are mediocre at best, and tainted by an outdated brand of Czech nationalism that ignores modern scholarship. The English translations are a bit, er, varied in quality.

The texts are wisely chosen, although some of the translations are not of the best. The commentary by Jan Bazant is perfection, cutting through the uncritical assumptions usual in Czech as well as outside views of the history of this fascinating if sometimes infuriating country.

Purchased as a gift, had a quick look at the book, covers all the important moments of Czech history, could have had more about Great Moravia though

Excellent

I like it and it told me a lot of interesting things. I would like to recommend to my friends and children. Thanks