Historical Dictionary of the Czech State

This volume is an excellent update to the previous edition.... Recommended. * CHOICE, July 2010 *
Originally authored by scholar Hochman, this second edition is updated and expanded by more than 100 pages by Fawn (senior lecturer, University of St. Andrews). The arrangement of the dictionary remains the same. Included are a chronology (seventh centuryBCE to April 2009), two maps, an 18-page introduction focused on Czech history, four appendixes that include items such as dates and names of governing officials and the human rights document ?Text of Charter 77,? and a 39-page bibliography organized bytime period (e.g., ?Foundation of Czechoslovakia?) and theme (e.g., ?Music?). The bibliography also notes key journals and Web sites. The dictionary portion of the text takes up more than 290 pages and includes entries on key figures of Czech society; important towns, cities, and regions; architecture; key documents; historic events; organizations; and a diverse mix of general topics that should appeal to readers seeking succinct introductions to various aspects of Czech society. Examples include Agriculture, Banking and monetary systems, Communications, Health care, Literature, Music, Press, Religion, Transportation, and Women. Entry length varies from a few sentences (such as the entry on politician Libu?e Bene?ová) to several pages (such as the 4-page * Booklist, June 2010 *
Originally authored by scholar Hochman, this second edition is updated and expanded by more than 100 pages by Fawn (senior lecturer, University of St. Andrews). The arrangement of the dictionary remains the same. Included are a chronology (seventh century BCE to April 2009), two maps, an 18-page introduction focused on Czech history, four appendixes that include items such as dates and names of governing officials and the human rights document “Text of Charter 77,” and a 39-page bibliography organized by time period (e.g., “Foundation of Czechoslovakia”) and theme (e.g., “Music”). The bibliography also notes key journals and Web sites. The dictionary portion of the text takes up more than 290 pages and includes entries on key figures of Czech society; important towns, cities, and regions; architecture; key documents; historic events; organizations; and a diverse mix of general topics that should appeal to readers seeking succinct introductions to various aspects of Czech society. Examples include Agriculture, Banking and monetary systems, Communications, Health care, Literature, Music, Press, Religion, Transportation, and Women. Entry length varies from a few sentences (such as the entry on politician Libu?e Bene?ová) to several pages (such as the 4-page entry on the Czech economy). See also headings are included. Within entries, terms and phrases in bold type point readers to related entries. Suitable for academic and large public libraries. Also available as an e-book. * Booklist, June 2010 *
A valuable reference work with a wide range of entries that belongs on the shelf of any scholar in the field of Czech studies. * Slavic and East European Journal *
An impressive compilation…. Overall the Bibliography is feature in its own right and would form a useful starting point for anyone undertaking non-specialist research into the history of the Czech State…. Updating is thorough and in-depth. As well as giving a good overview of Czech history, the volume provides a useful flavour of the contemporary Czech State. It belongs in all libraries with an interest in the country or the history of east and central Europe, even where the first edition is in stock. * s *