From Good King Wenceslas to the Good Soldier Švejk: A Dictionary of Czech Popular Culture - Hardcover

Roberts, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 963732626X ISBN 13: 9789637326264

Publisher: Central European University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Roberts' book follows in the tradition of recent scholarship that seeks to emphasize the importance of popular culture and the wealth of knowledge that can be gained through an analysis of the daily lives and practices of individuals. Focusing on popular songs, movie stars, famous athletes, traditional dishes, and children's games that are second nature to every Czech, Roberts' work serves as an introduction to Czech popular culture. This dictionary is a sizeable achievement as it offers an English readership an invaluable source of information to a rich body of material that has thus far remained ephemeral. The six hundred entries are cross-referenced and allow readers to pursue particular topics in greater depth. Written in a readable style this work is easily accessible to a wide readership.

About this title

About the Author:

Andrew Roberts is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University. In addition to writing on the politics of Eastern Europe, he also follows popular culture in post-communist countries.

Review:

This is the book that I wish someone had given me the day I arrived in Prague ... it s the best companion an expat in this country could ask for. --The Prague Post

The author's unstated underlying objective is anything but postmodernist: to capture the essence of Czechness, at least in recent times... Roberts's style is not only engaging, but also humorous. He peppers his entries with jokes and adds spice to those that might otherwise read as a dry recitation of facts. --Slavic and East European Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Central European University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 963732626X
• ISBN 13: 9789637326264
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 222