Prague Stories

This anthology features a diverse collection of narratives from various writers, showcasing the rich history and culture of Prague. Prague Stories captures the essence of this remarkable city.

The Golden City of Prague has long been an intellectual center of the western world, and Prague Stories captures this essence through a diverse collection of narratives. The anthology features contributions from both native writers and those who have visited this enchanting city, spanning from the early nineteenth century to contemporary times. Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of stories, legends, and scenes that reflect Prague's vibrant past and present, including the Jewish fable of the golem and accounts of invasions by German and Soviet forces.

This compilation showcases an impressive array of writers, including the likes of Franz Kafka, Ivan Klíma, and Bruce Chatwin. Notably, award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, both with Czech roots, add their voices to this remarkable collection. Prague Stories delves into the city’s storied Jewish heritage, the opulence of the belle-époque period, and the tumultuous events surrounding World War II, Communist rule, the Prague Spring, and the Velvet Revolution.

Richard Bassett, a former Central European correspondent for The Times, provides insightful context to these narratives. The anthology presents a vivid portrait of Prague, highlighting its folklore and historical figures like Jan Hus and Charles IV. It also introduces readers to today's vibrant cosmopolitan Prague, where a new generation of Czech writers, including Sylva Fischerova and Daniela Hodrova, explore the city's evolving identity. This unique collection of fiction and nonfiction is sure to delight and stimulate both travelers and armchair explorers alike.