Prague: A Cultural History (Interlink Cultural Histories) Paperback – April 16, 2013

We are planning a trip to the Czech Republic for the first time. I’ve gotten several books but, this one is my favorite. Explains some interesting things like the chalice symbol and the palace in old town where the communist leader first spoke to the people from a balcony. I’m taking this book to Prague with me and will read about the Charles bridge and some of its gruesome details while walking across. Some books are too dry and way too detailed this book has the right amount of facts.

I was looking for a book that could give me a general historical overview of Prague and its monuments, i.e. context for a visit to the city. What I got was a book that self-importantly wallows in a psychoanalysis of various monuments and architecture. Disclaimer: I couldn't even finish the first chapter.While there is a great deal of history, it's presented in densely-phrased vignettes with little chronological cohesion between them. For example, I was able to gather that at one point Prague was part of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and many vignettes hearken back to the good ol' days of said Kingdom. But there's no actual definition or description of exactly what was the Kingdom of Bohemia, how it was formed, who led it, how/why it dissolved, what it turned into, etc. With the exception of Jan Hus, historical figures are referenced almost exclusively to snarkily describe their personalities, not when they lived, what they did or why they're important to Prague's history. It seems to be assumed the reader is already fully familiar with these figures (and indeed the full textbook history of Prague).As I said at the top, the real purpose of the book seems to be an analysis of the city:- Speculation on the (perhaps) subversive symbolism of some of the statues on Charles Bridge- A multipage tirade on Saint John Nepomuk that wanders from skepticism to the authenticity of the Nepomuk relic to the dubiousness of Nepomuk's martyr status to the speculation that the relic could be a reminder of the martyrdom of Jan Hus (the author apparently grooves on Hus, not so much Nepomuk, but doesn't explain why).- Speculation on how the dilapidated, unfinished castle of Hradcany reflected the unfinished, wretched non-nation state of 19th-century Czechs. At least, I think Hradcany was a castle. Maybe it was a cathedral. I can't really tell from the book.- Also, Catholics and Protestants didn't like each other. He is very clear on that.You get the idea: lots of dense verbiage, lots of opinions, very little actual hard history or geography. Cool if you're a sociology major, not useful for a tourist. Imma look for Rick Steve's Pocket Guide to Prague.

We bought this book because we were going to Prague. But this book exceeded our expectations because it is not only that it explains Prague, it makes you understand it. It teaches you how people thought at some points in history, and even helps you understand their literature and art . Love it

This unusual book covers Prague from a geographical perspective but does so much more through the addition of literature, politics, architecture, music, and the arts. I was amazed by the depth of this book and planned on contacting the author to express my appreciation. Unfortunately, he has passed on to my great disappointment.

good book

I agree with Mary Brickhouse that this book has some interesting information, but it's randomly organized (is that an oxymoron?). If you read all the way through, you will learn a good bit about Prague, but if you want to go back and re-read about some specific topic, you will have to read again all the way through, as the chapters have no clear organizing principles, and there is no general index. There are indexes to names and places, but not topics, or subjects.

Really helpful for our visit to Prague. Great mix of history and how it relates to what you'll see in Prague today. Definitely not a guidebook, but also not a straight up history book.

My wife and I will be spending 10 days in Prague in April. When I travel I like to read historical and cultural literature about the location before I arrive. It gives me more information than guide books can provide improving the experince. In preparation, based on the reviews above, I read this book. The reviews are understated. This book deserves six stars! It is about the best book I have read about any city I have travelled to. I've gained an insight in to the places and peoples of Prague that will enrich our trip.