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Overview
The vivid portratal of the "Velvet Revolution" describes the dramatic social and political changes that heralded the downfall of the Communist leadership in Czechoslavakia. Bernard Wheaton, one of the few Western observers in the country during the nonviolent change of government in November 1989, and Zdenek Kavan, himself a Czech, interweave firsthand description with interviews of student leaders, press accounts, and scholarly analysis of the historical antecedents of the revolution to bring the extraordinary events of 1989 to life. The authors also trace the evolution of change in Czechoslovakia, weighing the importance of the May 1990 elections and assessing political and social prospects for the future. The narrative is enriched with political cartoons and photographs.Synopsis
The vivid portratal of the "Velvet Revolution" describes the dramatic social and political changes that heralded the downfall of the Communist leadership in Czechoslavakia. Bernard Wheaton, one of the few Western observers in the country during the nonviolent change of government in November 1989, and Zdenek Kavan, himself a Czech, interweave firsthand description with interviews of student leaders, press accounts, and scholarly analysis of the historical antecedents of the revolution to bring the extraordinary events of 1989 to life. The authors also trace the evolution of change in Czechoslovakia, weighing the importance of the May 1990 elections and assessing political and social prospects for the future. The narrative is enriched with political cartoons and photographs.
Library Journal
As Czechoslovakia splits into two independent nations, this analytical study of the transformation from communism to democracy is both timely and instructive. Drawing upon a variety of sources--archival documents, interviews, and press accounts--the authors provide a thorough overview of recent political and social events. The gradual decay of the Communist system from the Brezhnev era on is briefly described and sets the stage for the political crisis of 1988-89, which culminated in ``Black Friday'' and the November Revolution. In the final section, the transition process is examined with special emphasis on the deepening crisis of nationalism. Appended are relevant documents, a long list of political slogans, public opinion surveys, and a biographical sketch of Vaclav Havel. This is essential for all academic libraries.--Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.