Czechs and Balances: A Nation's Survival Kit

by Benjamin Kuras

Small trade paperback in English by Baronet books. The author is a Czech-born British writer, broadcaster, journalist, and translator who begin his work in Moravia in 1966. "Makes Czech history look as easy as getting thrown out a window." "Dissects the Czech national character with relish and wit." "An informative, highly entertaining perspective on Czech history - a rarity in English." 198 pp

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Czech Literature

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Zdeněk Mucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Máte-li nějaké přátele v zahraničí, třeba ve Spojeném Království, kteří nedejbože, z nějakého nepochopitelného důvodu mají nějaký vztah k naší republice či její historii - možná by stálo za úvahu jim tuto knihu věnovat (existuje v anglické verzi jako Czechs and Balances). Mně ji kdysi věnoval nejchytřejší (no, objektivně vzato by to nemusel být zas až takový výkon) člen mojí rodiny - vzdělaný Děd. Již jsem znal Kurase z internetu a Blistů. Kuras mi ale nebyl tehdy moc sympatický a knihu jsem zřejmě nedočet (nevím, nepamatuji se přesně, byla to bouřlivá leta přelomu tisíciletí :D). Konečně jsem se k ní vrátil a jsem za to moc rád. Břitký humor, trefný popis historie Čechů. Také jsem konečně pochopil, co mi Děd chtěl říci. Je to tedy velice ambivaletní kniha. Velmi tragická, velmi vtipná, stručná a přitom obsáhlá a se silným osobním poutem. Psaná milovaným anglickým vtipem. Doporučuji a Enjoy! :)

[Barbora Jirincova · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some observations were apt, especially as long as the author remained in the field of legends. But as soon as he got involved in the interpretation of history, the horror came.
I would probably forgive author's use of myths and lies debunked by historians long ago, I am used to that in popular culture

But he doesn't even check the facts and then uses the false facts to prove his point... E.g. 1437, "The Czechs drove out Sigismund and thus proved to everyone that they will choose their own king." There was no such rebellion, it is simply a pure nonsense. One example for all, when the author simply claims something that did not happen to prove his point. I don't know. Maybe I somehow misunderstood the book.
What scares me most is that foreigners can read this and thing this about Czech history

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up after my brother got his mission call to the Czech Republic. I had a hard time finding a comprehensive history of the Czechs, but I this one looked like a good start. The author does a good job introducing you to the contours of Czech history, with a bit of self-deprecating humor along the way.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would describe it as a collection of funny essays about Czech history, national philosophy and practice, along with healthy doses of criticism. I’d love to discuss it with a Czech and see how he/she would answer the questions Kuras poses at the end: have things gotten better? have they learned their lessons?

[Zuzka Jakúbková · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of history of Czech people, written not only with quick wit but also with some pretty deep insights only a well-learned outsider would be capable of. Would recommend.

[Jason Mashak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only a comprehensive history of Czechs, but as well an amusing, witty, and insightful look at how Czech culture was made by that history.

[Radek Petr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended reading for all Czechs.