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With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a bestselling series of culture and etiquette guides covering countless destinations around the world.For anyone at risk of culture shock, whether a tourist or a long-term resident, CultureShock! provides a sympathetic and fun-filled crash course on the do's and don'ts in foreign cultures.Fully updated and sporting a fresh new look, the revised editions of these books enlighten and inform through such topics as language, food and entertaining, social customs, festivals, relationships, and business tips. CultureShock! books are packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, finances, accommodation, health, food and drink, clothes, shopping, festivals, and much, much more.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Used for a school trip to Europe
To give an idea of my use of the book, I was assigned to read it for a 3-week semester abroad trip to Europe.We were in Prague for 3 days.
REVIEW
A big issue I had with this book was its introduction. The first seven pages known as "First Impressions" was a good way to start the book, but shortly following this section the reader gets bogged down with a rather dry background on "History, Politics, Economics and Religion." This book is part of the CultureShock! Series in which the books are all formatted in the same manner. A recommendation to this series would be to put this section in the book as an appendix. While it is a logical place to begin, it's not necessary to know for a visit to the Czech Republic. Since the book's structure stands, I recommend reading the book out of order. While this is something I would never usually do, I found it a lot easier to get useful information from the book this way. Since it isn't a novel I let my hang-ups on this method of reading go and indulged in the Czech Republic culture.
One disagreement I had with the author was his feelings on shopping. He makes shopping in the Czech Republic sound like a dreadful outing to the dentist. I found shopping in Prague to be one of the more enjoyable places to shop while we were in Europe. I found items we needed easy to find and quite a variety at that. This may be different for an outsider settled in and living in the country, but this portion of the book was not parallel with my experience.
For someone traveling to the Czech, the resource guide towards the end of the book is very useful. Moving to a foreign place without knowing anyone can make it difficult to find reputable services and places of business. The resource section provided emergency phone numbers, addresses and phone numbers for insurance companies, real estate agencies, childcare facilities, schools, financial services, entertainment, even gyms and cell phone providers.
Intertwined in all of the chapters of the book were phrases and keywords translated from English to Czech. I regret not reviewing them more thoroughly before visiting Prague because they would have been useful for visiting restaurants and shops.
The book definitely clarified why the Czech people are...well the way they are. We encountered Czechs that came off as dry and emotionless people but the history of the people's struggle with communism made this "standoffish" attitude understandable. Another thing this book prepared us for was the food served in the Czech Republic. Czechs are described as carnivores who pay little mind to balanced nutritious meals, and prepare their food with great amounts of fat and butter. Normally I do not eat much meat or food that is deep fried, but I enjoyed the delicious Czech cuisine. The author more than accurately described the native foods' rich tastes. While we were only in Prague for three days and did not visit any businesses, I found most of our encounters to be with the people and food. Therefore this book was very helpful with these few encounters. A CultureShock! book on Slovakia would have been greatly appreciated, because that country was my main focus during this class. I urge the series to make one for Slovakia.
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The Czech Republic is a red-hot European destination, and the charms of Slovakia are slowly being discovered by Westerners as well. The two countries share fundamental similarities in language and culture, but they never really managed to create a common national Czechoslovak identity, after being merged in 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed. With the lifting of the Iron Curtain in 1989 through the Velvet Revolution and the final breakup of Czechoslovakia in to two countries in 1993, this up-to-date, substantive insight is much needed. This volume overviews the current social, cultural, and political scene of both countries, so that general readers come away with a solid understanding of where the Czechs and Slovaks have been and where they are going.

The land, people, and history chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the narrative. In the chapter on religion and thought, the reasons for the widespread atheism of the Czechs and the contrasting religiosity of the Slovaks are explained. Both peoples are shown to have relaxed attitude toward life and a love of celebrations, with a strong beer culture. The state of women and family and feminism in the post-Soviet era is also discussed and readers will learn about the role of romance novels and the Czech Cosmopolitan. The literature chapter emphasizes the Czech sense of humor and the lack of translations of Slovakian works. The crises in journalism and cinema are other important topics. Finally, the strong traditions of theater and music, which have always been part of the Czech national consciousness, are seen to be as alive and vibrant as in any place in the world.

Customer Reviews (1)

For the Serious Czechophile
While I expected some historical grounding for the "culture and customs" of the title, the history of the area was more detailed than anticipated.This was probably necessary, given the fact that Czechoslovakia and Slovakia have been passed between various European power players for centuries, each of which left its mark.The book has more of an academic bent than a "here's where to go and what you'll see" travel orientation.It is extremely thorough as regards literature, art, architecture and the like, hence I wouldn't describe this as a weekend's cursory scan, rather a resource for readers who have a serious, possibly intellectual, interest in these countries. ... Read more

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Describes the geography, history, government, economy, people, lifestyle, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food of the Czech Republic. ... Read more

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Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include


* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken


"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times
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The Culture Smart! titles are not your basic travel guides: they are consistently updated customs and etiquette references for more than 25 countries, with six new titles available this fall. Now more than ever, travelers are more than just sightseers and tourists; they're ambassadors making impressions of the United States wherever they go. Readers will find these to be invaluable for pointing them on their way to a safe and fun trip abroad. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Oudated and inaccurate
We purchased this book before our recent trip, and found it full of misinformation.

It states that the Czechs rarely smile, and generally painted them as dour and unfriendly.We spent a week in Prague and the surrounding area.Our experiences were completely different.We found smiles everywhere we went, and were treated very well by nearly everyone we encountered.We also came to appreciate the Czechs wry sense of humor that was displayed in everyday life and regarding such cultural icons as Czech genius Jára Cimrman.

Perhaps some of the older people that grew up under the communist regime were abrupt with those of us not well versed in the language.We experienced a little rudeness from older cashiers and shopkeepers.But I could say the same of my visits to New York.

All in all, the young adults we encountered were warm and friendly and as curious about us as we were of them.

There are a few facts to be gleaned from this book.The section on personal safety is accurate, but just common sense that all travelers should follow anywhere.

The most important thing about travel is to keep an open mind and a friendly respectful attitude.If you remember this, you can travel almost anywhere.

My guess is that the person who wrote this book has not been there in a while, and perceived it from a locals point of view.Someone moving there might find something useful in it.But this country is changing fast, and is becoming more used to foreign visitors.

For more accurate and practical information, I highly recommend Rick Steve's book.We referred to it while preparing for our visit, and used it daily while we were there.We found it immensely helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular CULTURE SHOCK! series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. CULTURE SHOCK! country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. CULTURE SHOCK! practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. CULTURE SHOCK! AT YOUR DOOR guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And CULTURE SHOCK! SUCCESS SECRETS guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.

Each CULTURE SHOCK! title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Super informative and enjoyable book.
I bought this book for my 18-year-old daughter who is going to the Czech Republic to teach English.She said it was simple and clear to read and entertaining. It is very informative regarding habits and beliefs of the local residents, very down to earth.

REMARKABLY OBSERVANT, AMERICAN WAY
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I had a good laugh, I learned something
about myself (after twenty five years out of Prague, in Africa) and I
also realised how difficult it is for a non-European to appreciate
complexities of a small nation which lived for more than forty years
under communism.The book is amusing, open-mined, tolerant and
kind. It generally assesses well the character of the Czech
nation. Where it hits shallow ground are the issues related to life
under communism: incorect or insignificant problems like limited
shopping opprotunities, non-availaibility of goods, banning of western
music overshadow the real issues of the evil of communism: its grip on
people's life, its control of persons' destiny. And what really jabbed
me was a very ethnic view of the author on what is a polished
culture. Athough numerous habits and customs encoutered in the Czech
culture are rather ethnic, American mannerism is equally culturally
challenged....The notion of crasness is indeed
different in different cultures. Overall, a great book to buy so that
you can return to it and enjoy its wits and successful attempt to search for ethnic diversity.

excellent, informative, witty
As Czech living in Canada I really enjoyed this book. I was amused and often surprised how exactly our manners and traditions were described. I would recommend this book to anybody who are visiting Czech republic andwants to understand czech people.

VERY INTERESTING-NEEDS A LITTLE MORE CZECH PHRASING THO
I loved this book but it needs much more czech to english phrasing to help you get by while in Czech. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Jára Cimrman, Universe People, Mole, Externism, Culture of the Czech Republic, Céčka, Public holidays in the Czech Republic, Czech Tramping, Ztohoven, Šárka, Mazanki, Czech philosophy, Czech Centers, Czechization, Eye above Prague, Hloupý Honza, National Archives,. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 58. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Jára Cimrman or Jára da Cimrman (Czech pronunciation: ) is a Czech fictional character created by Ladislav Smoljak and Zdeněk Svěrák. He is presented as one of the greatest Czech playwrights, poets, composers, teachers, travellers, philosophers, inventors, detectives, mathematicians, politicians, lovers and sportsmen of the 19th and early 20th century. Playing the game on his real existence is part of his characterization. Cimrman made its first appearance on a regular radio programme Nealkoholická vinárna U Pavouka ("The Spider Non-Alcoholic Wine Bar") on December 23, 1966. Although the character was originally meant to be just a caricature of the Czech people, history, and culture, he became an immensely popular character of modern Czech folklore, and an artificial national hero. Cimrman is a major character or the putative author of a great number of books, plays, and films. The Jára Cimrman Theatre in Žižkov is one of Prague's most frequented theatrical houses. The huge popularity of the Jára Cimrman character has resulted in the compilation of a fairly detailed fictional biography by his admirers. The precise dates of his birth and death have not been agreed upon. He is said to have been born in Vienna sometime between 1869 and 1874 to an Austrian mother actress (Marlen Jelinek: Jelínek is both a Czech surname and a Czech word meaning small/young stag) and a Czech father tailor (Leopold Cimrman: Zimmermann (read Cimrman) is both a German surn...http://booksllc.net/?id=1011116 ... Read more

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Chapters: Linear Pottery Culture. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 55. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Linear Pottery culture is a major archaeological horizon of the European Neolithic, flourishing ca. 55004500 BC. The heaviest concentrations are on the middle Danube, the upper and middle Elbe, and the upper and middle Rhine. The culture represents a major impulse if not the advent of agriculture into this part of the world. The pottery after which it was named consists of simple cups, bowls, vases and jugs, without handles, but in a later phase with lugs or pierced lugs, bases and necks. They were obviously designed as kitchen dishes, or for the immediate or local transport of food and liquids. Important sites include Nitra in Slovakia; Bylany in the Czech Republic; Langweiler and Zwenkau in Germany; Brunn am Gebirge in Austria; Elsloo, Sittard, Köln-Lindenthal, Aldenhoven, Flomborn and Rixheim on the Rhine; Lautereck and Hienheim on the upper Danube; Rössen and Sonderhausen on the middle Elbe. Two variants of the early Linear Pottery Culture are recognized: Middle and late phases are also defined. In the middle phase, the Early Linear Pottery Culture intruded upon the Bug-Dniester culture and began to manufacture Musical note pottery. In the late phase, the Stroked Pottery Culture moved down the Vistula and Elbe. A number of cultures ultimately replaced the Linear Pottery culture over its range, but there is no one-to-one correspondence between its variants and the replacing cultures. The culture map instead is complex. Some of the successor cultures are the Hinkelstein, Großgartach, Rössen, Lengyel, Cucuteni-Trypillian, and Boian-Maritza. Linear pottery. "The vessels are oblated globes, cut off on the top and slightly flattened on the bottom suggestive of a gourd."Frank H...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4407586 ... Read more

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Chapters: Museum of Romani Culture, Vysoké Mýto Regional Museum, Chrudim Regional Museum, Muzeum Těšínska, Museum of Textile in Česká Skalice, Museum of the fortifications Hlučín, Moravské zemské muzeum, Military museum Lešany, Mendel Museum of Genetics,. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 26. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Museum of Romani Culture (Muzeum romské kultury in Czech) is an institution dedicated to the history and culture of the Romani people (Gypsies). It is situated in Brno, Czech Republic. The Museum was founded in 1991 by members of the Czech Romani intelligentsia, led by Jana Horváthová, in the period of freedom which followed the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. During its early years, its location moved from one place to another and the institution struggled with financial problems. In December 2000, it moved to its present building on Bratislavská Street in Brno, which is the centre of the local Romani community. The museum is now financed from the state budget. On December 1, 2005, the first permanent exhibition was opened. The permanent exhibition covers 6 rooms with an area of 326 m². It is dedicated to the life, culture, and important events of the Romanis during their migration from India until the present day, with emphasis on the situation in Czech lands during the period 1945-1989. Temporary exhibitions, mostly art and photography, are created from time to time. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum is also a place of Romani research in Central Europe. With a public library, students and other interested people have a chance to select from more than 3,000 publications (books, magazines, CDs). The museum organizes lectures, concerts, panel debates and Romany language courses for the public and professionals. In the afternoon the club is ope...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=2212499 ... Read more

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In this volume, an international and interdisciplinary team of scholars—Czech and American archaeologists, paleoanthropologists, geologists, and biologists—report on the results of the investigations from 1980 through the 1990s at Stránská skála, a complex of open-air loess sites on the outskirts of the Brno Basin in the Czech Republic.

The volume presents in-depth studies of the geology, paleopedology, frost processes, vegetation, fauna, and archaeological features of Stránská skála that break new ground in our understanding of early modern humans in central Europe.

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In response to mounting debt crises and macroeconomic instability in the 1980s, many countries in the developing world adopted neoliberal policies promoting the unfettered play of market forces and deregulation of the economy and attempted large-scale structural adjustment, including the privatization of public-sector industries. How much influence did various societal groups have on this transition to a market economy, and what explains the variances in interest-group influence across countries? In this book, Agnieszka Paczynska explores these questions by studying the role of organized labor in the transition process in four countries in different regions--the Czech Republic and Poland in eastern Europe, Egypt in the Middle East, and Mexico in Latin America. In Egypt and Poland, she shows, labor had substantial influence on the process, whereas in the Czech Republic and Mexico it did not. Her explanation highlights the complex relationship between institutional structures and the 'critical junctures' provided by economic crises, revealing that the ability of groups like organized labor to wield influence on reform efforts depends to a great extent on not only their current resources (such as financial autonomy and legal prerogatives) but also the historical legacies of their past ties to the state. ... Read more

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* This series examines the key consequences of arbitrary border making in world history - past and present * These studies describe arbitrary borders as places where people interact differently from the way they would had the boundary not existed * Analytical, but easy to read, these brief histories will appeal to a broad sweep of readership ... Read more

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Roberts' book follows in the tradition of recent scholarship that seeks to emphasize the importance of popular culture and the wealth of knowledge that can be gained through an analysis of the daily lives and practices of individuals. Focusing on popular songs, movie stars, famous athletes, traditional dishes, and children's games that are second nature to every Czech, Roberts' work serves as an introduction to Czech popular culture. This dictionary is a sizeable achievement as it offers an English readership an invaluable source of information to a rich body of material that has thus far remained ephemeral. The six hundred entries are cross-referenced and allow readers to pursue particular topics in greater depth. Written in a readable style this work is easily accessible to a wide readership. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A fun, well-informed portrait of 20th century Czech culture
This is a well-written and informative resource on 20th century Czech culture, concentrating on, as the author writes in his preface, people, places, and events familiar to most every Czech adult, but essentially unknown outside the culture. I would characterize its tone as something akin to the Culture Smart/Culture Shock series, but written in far greater depth.I would recommend it to students of Czech, to those who have lived or are living in the Czech Republic, and to anyone who would like to get a deeper perspective on 20th-century mass Czech culture.This is not, as the author cautions, an exhaustive account of Czech history and culture, nor would it be the primary resource for an academic dissertation, but as someone who lived in the Czech Republic for many years and has family living there, I can assure you that the entries ring true and give an insight into the Czech mindset and experience, particularly as it was lived under communism.

I must confess that I am puzzled at the dismissive reviews of this title, as it is clear that the author is both familiar with, and a lover of, Czech culture.I am not familiar with other titles in English like this, and heartily recommend it to other Czechophiles.

An immediately suspect perspective
For a work that implies an intimate knowledge of the Czech psyche, it is incomprehensible that the author places Czechs in "Eastern" Europe.Otherwise extremely reticent to correct foreigners in their mistakes, this is one area in which every Czech I know is crystal clear:They are CENTRAL Europeans.Prague is almost exactly the centre of Europe, geographically; but more than this, Czechs resent being classed with the Eastern European "barbarians" with whom they were forced for 40 years to share an ideology.

Whether Mr. Roberts is oblivious, or simply insensitive, to this national sentiment, his lack of understanding heavily handicaps any credibility he may have had.

Shoddy scholarship
Roberts has achieved nothing but a perfectly condescending caricature of the Czech people.It is completely incomprehensible, how he could collect so much data and not gain any understanding of the culture.Mr. Roberts sees everything as a communist propaganda, and has difficulty imagining that people could have had any joy in their life during communism.My absolute favorite: the Czech's love of smoking, according to Mr. Roberts apparently stems, "from the fact that there was so little to live for under communism."But then again how can one expect any depth or intellectual rigor from a writer who claims that his bibliography is lacking because "it would be impossible to cite all the works..."REALLY?

A Good Description of All You Wanted to Know about Czech Culture but Never Found Out
I first ordered this book for myself, in preparation for a presentation I was giving on my experience as an American Grad Student in Prague. The book was helpful at jogging my memory about the highlights of Czech culture. It also contains excellent trivia that I would never have found out otherwise. I ended up ordering copies of the book for several of my friends who shared my experiences, and they have loved it too!

Informative and enjoyable dictionary of Czech popular culture

Andrew Roberts has compiled a highly informative and enjoyable dictionary of Czech popular culture.

The topics covered include society, politics, history, literature, music, movies, sports and much more.
Regardless of length, the entries are clear and well-written. Historical background is provided whenever needed.

The book is rounded off with a useful alphabetical and thematic index to all dictionary entries.

People interested in Czech history, culture and politics will find this work a valuable source for informative descriptions and definitions.
All the more so because it is written in a lucid, wry style which is a pleasure to read.

The author has a good eye for the little oddities of everyday life and a remarkable understanding of the Czech mentality and worldview (I especially liked the way he highlights Czech quirks with respect and humor).

A big plus is the author's website / blog, where he regularly updates and extends his book.
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On the demand side, exporters and strategic planners focusing on human blood, prepared animal blood, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms, and similar products excluding yeasts in Czech Republic face a number of questions. Which countries are supplying human blood, prepared animal blood, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms, and similar products excluding yeasts to Czech Republic? How important is Czech Republic compared to others in terms of the entire global and regional market? How much do the imports of human blood, prepared animal blood, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms, and similar products excluding yeasts vary from one country of origin to another in Czech Republic? On the supply side, Czech Republic also exports human blood, prepared animal blood, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms, and similar products excluding yeasts. Which countries receive the most exports from Czech Republic? How are these exports concentrated across buyers? What is the value of these exports and which countries are the largest buyers?

This report was created for strategic planners, international marketing executives and import/export managers who are concerned with the market for human blood, prepared animal blood, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms, and similar products excluding yeasts in Czech Republic. With the globalization of this market, managers can no longer be contented with a local view. Nor can managers be contented with out-of-date statistics which appear several years after the fact. I have developed a methodology, based on macroeconomic and trade models, to estimate the market for human blood, prepared animal blood, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms, and similar products excluding yeasts for those countries serving Czech Republic via exports, or supplying from Czech Republic via imports. It does so for the current year based on a variety of key historical indicators and econometric models.

In what follows, Chapter 2 ... Read more