Prague
A Cultural Guide
Prague, the focus city of revolutions and ethnic slaughters since the 9th century, has somehow maintained its architectural heritage and its literary and artistic fervor, according to Andrew Beattie, the author of this devilishly detailed (think Kafka) guide book.
He warns that a first-time visitor risks being overwhelmed by a confusion of buildings reminiscent of the medieval and Baroque and advises a pause for the iconic view across the River Vltava with the arches of the Charles Bridge in the foreground and the spires of the 14th century Saint Vitus Cathedral and castle buildings beyond.
Prague, with a population of 1.25 million, is now the capital of the Czech Republic, but it got that way only after imperialist subjugations, most recently by Nazi Germany—which decimated the city’s significant Jewish community—and the former Soviet Union.
Despite its grim history, Prague offers a plethora of art galleries, concert halls, nightclubs, and expanses of public parks, fit places for touristy relaxing. And there is great Bohemian beer, which helps explain why the Czech Republic boasts the highest per capita consumption of the beverage of any country in the world.
Reviewed by
Thomas BeVier
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
