A History of the Czech Lands

by Jaroslav Panek (Editor), Oldřich Tůma (Editor)

Born January 1, 1993 after it split with Slovakia, the Czech Republic is one of the youngest members of the European Union. Despite its youth as a nation, this land and the areas just outside its modern borders boasts an ancient and intricate past. With A History of the Czech Lands, editors Jaroslav Pánek and Oldrich Tuma—along with several scholars from the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and Charles University—provide one of the most complete historical accounts of this region to date.

Pánek and Tuma’s history begins in the Neolithic era and follows the development of the state as it transformed into the Kingdom of Bohemia during the ninth century, into Czechoslovakia after World War I, and finally into the Czech Republic. Such a tumultuous political past arises in part from a fascinating native people, and A History of the Czech Lands profiles the Czechs in great detail, delving into past and present traditions and explaining how generation after generation adapted to a perpetually changing government and economy. In addition, Pánek and Tuma examine the many minorities that now call these lands home—Jews, Slovaks, Poles, Germans, Ukrainians, and others—and how each group’s migration to the region has contributed to life in the Czech Republic today.

The first study in English with this scope and ambition, A History of the Czech Lands is essential for scholars of Slavic, Central, and East European studies and a must-read for those who trace their ancestry to these lands.

Genres: History, European History, Nonfiction, Czech Literature

750 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

***1/2
Valuable in the amount of German & Czech scholarship condensed into it, this canvas remains as dry as an introduction course at university level, with a complete rush after the Prague spring to see the entry into the EU (2004).

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweeping though detailed history of the Czech Republic with an emphasis on the early days of its formation and the composite states that lead to what we now consider as "Czech". The concept of Bohemia as a place is the basal construct of this history: it's organized via geography over political movements, but it's handy how it uses place as a frame to explore polity. This book is intended for someone who already knows a decent amount about the area it covers: it's not an introduction nor does it in full provided much outside context to political events in Europe elsewhere that shape things happening in the book. Though detailed, it has to leave a lot out, too. In ways, it serves thus more as a reference work but it's possible to read from cover to cover and really get a good idea about the region and its history. Having ample maps (or Google Earth) and other books on Czech history handy is a must in places though to get all it's worth from it.

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

More textbook-like and seems comprehensive from the standpoint of who has the power. But I was looking for something that brought everyday people to life. Did glean that Rakovnik was known for growing hops.

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

In theory a good overview from tribal beginnings and basic geography to Czech membership in the EU. I'm not going to slate it for being boring but...some sections were not properly proof read at all. There are missing words, doubled words, spelling mistakes and strange grammar constructions typical of Czech speakers. It felt like how I'd imagine it would be to read the Silmarilion through Google translate. This is a shame as it's meant to be a serious work. I hope it will be corrected by the next edition.

Here are two examples of some mistakes:

"The first violent clash of the Picards and the moderate party, with Jan Žižka at its head
and the elected elder Táborite priest Mikuláš of Pelhřimov, followed Húska’s imprisonment. A minority of two to four hundred Picards refused to submit and moved to the small town beneath the castle at Příběnice. The onset of resistance within his own army forced Žižka to
intervene strogly."

"A group of Beneš’s close associates (including Prokop Drtina and Jan Jína), who
initiated and designed the pattern of co-operation with him before his flight from the republic in October 1938, and other young politicians, journalists, and state bureaucracy employees, the Political Central (PÚ) was created."

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Czech Republic (by Germany)
Chonky book, dry, informative!

Quick history:
Czechs were enslaved by Islamic masters for hundreds of years.
1918 Czechoslovakia became its own country after World War 1.
1939 invaded by Nazis, kicked the Nazis out at the end of the war.
1948 turned communist.
1989 turned democratic, ended communism peacefully in what’s known as the “Velvet Revolution”.
1993 split into Czech Republic AND Slovakia peacefully in what’s known as the “Velvet Divorce”.
1999 joined NATO and became a world player.

Now the Czech Republic is a beautiful country full of good people who live in peace, safety, and fun!
Czechs have lots of pretty castles and countryside!
Czechs drink the most beer per capita!
Czechs have that pretty book tower everyone takes pictures with!

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thick book that is a very comprehensive collection of names and dates and facts, but the authors really aren't interested in storytelling or in making people from Czech history come to life.

The English version is riddled with typos and bizarre translation choices, which is very distracting, and makes it an even less enjoyable read.

[mwr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pride some authors have in their country comes through from time to time.