Title
The Coasts of Bohemia: A Czech History,Used
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In The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare gave the landlocked country of Bohemia a coastlinea famous and, to Czechs, typical example of foreigners' ignorance of the Czech homeland. Although the lands that were once the Kingdom of Bohemia lie at the heart of Europe, Czechs are usually encountered only in the margins of other people's stories. In The Coasts of Bohemia, Derek Sayer reverses this perspective. He presents a comprehensive and longneeded history of the Czech people that is also a remarkably original history of modern Europe, told from its uneasy center.Sayer shows that Bohemia has long been a theater of European conflict. It has been a cradle of Protestantism and a bulwark of the CounterReformation; an Austrian imperial province and a proudly Slavic national state; the most easterly democracy in Europe; and a westerly outlier of the Soviet bloc. The complexities of its location have given rise to profound (and often profoundly comic) reflections on the modern condition. Franz Kafka, Jaroslav Hasek, Karel Capek and Milan Kundera are all products of its spirit of place. Sayer describes how Bohemia's ambiguities and contradictions are those of Europe itself, and he considers the ironies of viewing Europe, the West, and modernity from the vantage point of a country that has been too often ignored.The Coasts of Bohemia draws on an enormous array of literary, musical, visual, and documentary sources ranging from banknotes to statues, museum displays to school textbooks, funeral orations to operatic stagesets, murals in subway stations to censors' indexes of banned books. It brings us into intimate contact with the ever changing details of daily lifethe street names and facades of buildings, the heroes figured on postage stampsthat have created and recreated a sense of what it is to be Czech. Sayer's sustained concern with questions of identity, memory, and power place the book at the heart of contemporary intellectual debate. It is an extraordinary story, beautifully told.
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- Q: What is the page count of The Coasts of Bohemia? A: The book has four hundred eight pages. This extensive count allows for a detailed exploration of Czech history.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is a hardcover edition. This offers durability and a more sophisticated presentation.
- Q: Who is the author of The Coasts of Bohemia? A: The author is Derek Sayer. He provides unique insights into Czech history and identity.
- Q: What is the size of The Coasts of Bohemia? A: The book measures six and a half inches in length, one and a half inches in width, and ten inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard-sized hardcover.
- Q: What is the genre of The Coasts of Bohemia? A: This book falls under the category of history. It focuses specifically on Czech history within a European context.
- Q: How should I read The Coasts of Bohemia? A: You can read it at your own pace. The narrative is structured to engage both casual readers and those seeking in-depth study.
- Q: Is The Coasts of Bohemia suitable for all ages? A: Yes, it is suitable for a general audience. However, it may be more appreciated by readers interested in history and culture.
- Q: Are there any specific themes in The Coasts of Bohemia? A: Yes, the book explores themes of identity, memory, and power within Czech history. These themes are relevant to understanding modern Europe.
- Q: How do I keep The Coasts of Bohemia in good condition? A: Store it in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Regularly dusting the cover will also help maintain its appearance.
- Q: Is there a warranty for The Coasts of Bohemia? A: Typically, books do not come with a warranty. However, check with the seller for their return policy.
- Q: What if The Coasts of Bohemia arrives damaged? A: Contact the seller immediately for return or exchange options. Most sellers have policies for damaged items.
- Q: Can I gift The Coasts of Bohemia? A: Yes, it makes a great gift for history enthusiasts. Its rich content and beautiful binding are appealing for any occasion.
- Q: How does The Coasts of Bohemia compare to other historical books? A: It offers a unique perspective by focusing on Czech history within the broader context of European conflicts. This is distinct from many other historical narratives.
- Q: Is The Coasts of Bohemia available in digital format? A: Availability may vary by retailer, but check online platforms for digital versions. Many historical texts are increasingly offered as e-books.
- Q: What makes The Coasts of Bohemia a significant read? A: It provides a comprehensive and original history of the Czech people, highlighting their complexities and contributions to European history.