The Czech Reader

I consider The Czech Reader an important contribution for individuals who are seeking an introduction to the history and literary history of the Czech lands. For people on their travels to the Czech Republic, who are interested in knowing more about this small and interesting nation, this book will serve well. Also, undergraduate students interested in the history of Central Europe will find many important Czech texts translated into English here and this could further stimulate their interest in the Czech history. People who are familiar with the history of the Czech lands and academic researchers could also use this book. University lecturers can use the texts in seminars and lectures to provide background to the dry historical presentation of past events. - Jan Lnek, History The Czech Reader, a unique and vast compilation of Bohemian and Czech primary sources for a general English speaking audience, will be welcomed by anybody interested in a Czech general history of Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, or the Czech Republic. In addition, the material may enrich any college survey course with a focus on the region of Central Europe. The book may also serve travelers who are looking for a deeper historical, political, and cultural understanding of the Czechs and their tumultuous history. - Zbysek Brezina, History: Reviews of New Books The editors have performed quite a service in making these materials available in English in one convenient location. Every university library should have a copy as should any instructor in the field. - Andrew Drozd, Slavic and East European Journal The Czech Reader is a real gem, an immensely informative, balanced, and up-to-date compendium on Czech history and culture.John Neubauer, University of Amsterdam There is nothing comparable to The Czech Reader. It makes a unique and highly valuable contribution to understanding the Czech interpretation of their own history, of who they are and what historical events constituted them as a nation and a people.Silvia Tomkov, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill I consider The Czech Reader an important contribution for individuals who are seeking an introduction to the history and literary history of the Czech lands. For people on their travels to the Czech Republic, who are interested in knowing more about this small and interesting nation, this book will serve well. Also, undergraduate students interested in the history of Central Europe will find many important Czech texts translated into English here and this could further stimulate their interest in the Czech history. People who are familiar with the history of the Czech lands and academic researchers could also use this book. University lecturers can use the texts in seminars and lectures to provide background to the dry historical presentation of past events. -- Jan Lnek * History * The Czech Reader, a unique and vast compilation of Bohemian and Czech primary sources for a general English speaking audience, will be welcomed by anybody interested in a Czech general history of Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, or the Czech Republic. In addition, the material may enrich any college survey course with a focus on the region of Central Europe. The book may also serve travelers who are looking for a deeper historical, political, and cultural understanding of the Czechs and their tumultuous history. -- Zbysek Brezina * History: Reviews of New Books *

Jan Baant is a senior researcher at the Institute of Philosophy in Prague. He was previously director of the Institute for Classical Studies. Nina Baantov is an art historian and former curator of historical textiles at the Museum of Applied Arts in Prague. Frances Starn is a writer living in Berkeley, California.

List of Illustrations xi Acknowledgments xv Guide to Pronunciation xvii Introduction 1 I. Between Myth and History (The Premyslid Dynasty) 7 II. Navel of the Earth (Charles IV, 13161378) 31 III. Against Everyone (Hussite Revolution) 47 IV. Struggles for City, Court, Country (Vladislav IIRudolph II) 67 V. Defeated Protestants, Victorious Catholics (Ferdinand IICharles VI) 83 VI. From the Enlightenment to Romantic Nationalism (Maria TeresaRevolution of 1848) 111 VII. Defeated Politicians, Victorious Intellectuals (18481867) 145 VIII. From National Self-Determination to Cosmopolitanism (18671918) 187 IX. The First Czechoslovak Republic (19181938) 239 X. Between Hitler and Stalin (19381948) 295 XI. "Ideal" Socialism (19481968) 335 XII. "Real" Socialism (19681989) 385 XIII. The Decades after the Velvet Revolution (1989) 463 Epilogue 503 Suggestions for Further Reading 507 Acknowledgment of Copyright and Sources 521 Index 529