Czechoslovakia has been at the center of some of the most difficult—and tragic—episodes of modern European history: its sacrifice to Nazi Germany at Munich; the Communist Coup of 1948; and the military crushing of the Prague Spring. It has also enacted momentous change almost magically, as in the peaceful overthrow of communism in 1989, and then the negotiated end to the country in 1992. Czechoslovak history has consequently produced enduring political metaphors for our times, such as the Velvet Revolution and Velvet Divorce.
The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Czech State has been thoroughly updated and greatly expanded. Featuring a chronology, introductory essay, appendix, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries, this detailed, authoritative reference provides understandings of the Czechs as a people; the territory they inhabit; their social, cultural, political, and economic developments throughout history; and interactions with their neighbors and the wider world.
About the Author :
Rick Fawn is senior lecturer in International Relations at the University of St Andrews and editor of Ideology and National Identity in Post-Communist Foreign Policies. He is the author of The Czech Republic: A Nation of Velvet.
Jiri Hochman was a leading journalist in Czechoslovakia who now lives in the United States after having been forced to leave during the repressive aftermath of the Prague Spring reforms of 1968. Among his numerous publications is The Failure of Collective Security, 1934-1938, and he co-authored, with Alexander Dubcek, the autobiography of this leader of the Prague Spring, which has been translated into 16 languages.
Review :
This volume is an excellent update to the previous edition.... Recommended.
Originally authored by scholar Hochman, this second edition is updated and expanded by more than 100 pages by Fawn (senior lecturer, University of St. Andrews). The arrangement of the dictionary remains the same. Included are a chronology (seventh centuryBCE to April 2009), two maps, an 18-page introduction focused on Czech history, four appendixes that include items such as dates and names of governing officials and the human rights document ?Text of Charter 77,? and a 39-page bibliography organized bytime period (e.g., ?Foundation of Czechoslovakia?) and theme (e.g., ?Music?). The bibliography also notes key journals and Web sites. The dictionary portion of the text takes up more than 290 pages and includes entries on key figures of Czech society; important towns, cities, and regions; architecture; key documents; historic events; organizations; and a diverse mix of general topics that should appeal to readers seeking succinct introductions to various aspects of Czech society. Examples include Agriculture, Banking and monetary systems, Communications, Health care, Literature, Music, Press, Religion, Transportation, and Women. Entry length varies from a few sentences (such as the entry on politician Libu?e Bene?ová) to several pages (such as the 4-page
Originally authored by scholar Hochman, this second edition is updated and expanded by more than 100 pages by Fawn (senior lecturer, University of St. Andrews). The arrangement of the dictionary remains the same. Included are a chronology (seventh century BCE to April 2009), two maps, an 18-page introduction focused on Czech history, four appendixes that include items such as dates and names of governing officials and the human rights document “Text of Charter 77,” and a 39-page bibliography organized by time period (e.g., “Foundation of Czechoslovakia”) and theme (e.g., “Music”). The bibliography also notes key journals and Web sites.
The dictionary portion of the text takes up more than 290 pages and includes entries on key figures of Czech society; important towns, cities, and regions; architecture; key documents; historic events; organizations; and a diverse mix of general topics that should appeal to readers seeking succinct introductions to various aspects of Czech society. Examples include Agriculture, Banking and monetary systems, Communications, Health care, Literature, Music, Press, Religion, Transportation, and Women. Entry length varies from a few sentences (such as the entry on politician Libu?e Bene?ová) to several pages (such as the 4-page entry on the Czech economy). See also headings are included. Within entries, terms and phrases in bold type point readers to related entries. Suitable for academic and large public libraries. Also available as an e-book.
A valuable reference work with a wide range of entries that belongs on the shelf of any scholar in the field of Czech studies.
An impressive compilation…. Overall the Bibliography is feature in its own right and would form a useful starting point for anyone undertaking non-specialist research into the history of the Czech State…. Updating is thorough and in-depth. As well as giving a good overview of Czech history, the volume provides a useful flavour of the contemporary Czech State. It belongs in all libraries with an interest in the country or the history of east and central Europe, even where the first edition is in stock.
