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, 1316–1378)  31

III. Against Everyone (Hussite Revolution)  47

IV. Struggles for City, Court, Country (Vladislav II–Rudolph II)  67

V. Defeated Protestants, Victorious Catholics (Ferdinand II–Charles VI)  83

VI. From the Enlightenment to Romantic Nationalism (Maria Teresa–Revolution of 1848)  111

VII. Defeated Politicians, Victorious Intellectuals (1848–1867)  145

VIII. From National Self-Determination to Cosmopolitanism (1867–1918)  187

IX. The First Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1938)  239

X. Between Hitler and Stalin (1938–1948)  295

XI. "Ideal" Socialism (1948–1968)  335

XII. "Real" Socialism (1968–1989)  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

“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 Láníĉek, 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

“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 Láníĉek, 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 Tomášková, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

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