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Articles published in Eurozine
The re-transnationalization of literary criticism
Critical discussion of foreign literature serves as a source of information not only for readers but also for the "trade". When that discussion disappears or becomes one-sided, this has consequences for the literary institution as a whole. [Czech and Hungarian versions added] [more]
Two stories
Kundera and the conclusion of the Velvet Revolution
The reaction to the Kundera allegations in the Czech Republic has largely been one of doubt rather than blame. Miroslav Balastík wonders whether the incident signifies the end of a phase of post-communism in the Czech Republic. [more]
Don Quixote in the Balkans
Ismail Kadare on why Don Quixote belongs to Balkan folklore, how Cervantes first came to be translated into Albanian, and why today's politicians should be banned from using the knight errant's name as a term of abuse. [Czech version added] [more]
"Water is more dangerous than the rise of Islam..."
Interview with Dutch writer Margriet de Moor
Although often using female heroines in her novels, Margriet de Moor finds pigeonholing literature into male and female categories is a pointless exercise. "The social issue of women suffering under a male dominance -- no, I don't find it terribly interesting." [more]
A heavy prelude to chaos
Aspects of literary anti-Americanism in the interwar years
Interwar European literature represented the US as the quintessence of unbridled modernity that prefigured the destruction of Europe. Jesper Gulddal surveys the uncharted territory of literary anti-Americanism. [Czech version added] [more]
Generals always prepare for the previous war
On the new paradigm of Czech literary history
The notion of the canon in Czech literary studies is being challenged by a relativist, postmodern approach to history. Its proponents claim this constitutes a revolution, though literary critic Pavel Janousek is sceptical. [more]
Twenty-two years later
A second reading of Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being"
Twenty-two years after it was first published in Czech, Jiri Travnicek discovers a new appreciation for the narration, characterization, and above all wisdom of Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being". [more]
Is March still the Month of Books?
The "Month of Books" was introduced in Czechoslovakia in 1955 and predominantly served as a propaganda tool. Does this leftover from communist cultural policy still have a place in the cultural life of the Czech Republic? [more]
Both believers and liberals can be destructive zealots
An interview with Leo Pavlát (abridged version)
"I have a feeling that any living Jew is a sort of spokesperson for those who died prematurely, that somehow he or she is an expression of their experience and dreams." Leo Pavlát on the "Jewish character", what it means to "be chosen", and the dangers of relativism. [more]
A sheep detective story
Leonie Swann: "Glennkill. Sheep Investigate aka Three Bags Full". Argo, Prague 2006
