From a Terrace in Prague
Public-domain ebook
From a Terrace in Prague
Language: en4,923 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Czech·Mythology, Legends & Folklore·Travel Writing
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #22776.
About this book
From the outset, From a Terrace in Prague presents itself as a travel‑and‑history essay, a personal guide that weaves together gratitude to scholars, fellow travelers, and local friends with a sweeping overview of Bohemia’s past. The author opens by thanking figures such as the medieval chronicler Cosmas Pragensis, the historian Palacky, and contemporary companions like Dr. Jevrabek, framing the work as a collective tribute to the city’s “glorious” spirit. The opening pages then launch into a broad, map‑guided survey of Prague’s geography, its rivers, and the routes that have brought countless peoples to its shores, before moving into detailed chapters on saints, monarchs, and architectural landmarks. The structure, preface, numbered chapters, and a richly illustrated index, signals a methodical, almost encyclopedic approach anchored in the author’s own observations and the assistance of his informants.
The voice is that of an early‑20th‑century scholar‑traveler, conversational yet erudite, peppered with witty asides and occasional digressions into linguistic quirks and personal anecdotes. Its style blends lyrical description of landscapes with dense historical commentary, reflecting the period’s penchant for grand narratives that unite travelogue and national history. Readers who relish immersive, detail‑rich explorations of Central European heritage, especially those interested in Prague’s medieval roots, its architectural evolution, and the interplay of Slavic and Germanic influences, will find this work both informative and evocative.
Characters in From a Terrace in Prague
- Cosmas PragensisMedieval monk in simple brown habit, shaved head, thin beard, holding a quill
- PalackyLate‑19th‑century Czech scholar, dark suit, waistcoat, moustache, spectacles, thoughtful expression
- Count LuetzowAristocratic gentleman in early‑20th‑century formal attire, frock coat, medal ribbons, neatly trimmed beard
The opening · free to read
While awaiting you, I am preparing, by means of this work, to introduce you to a goodly throng of those who know or knew this city and loved it well. Perhaps they may admit me to their round table as the last to arrive, and the least. In any case, I owe them a debt of gratitude for their help in becoming acquainted with Prague and the deeper meaning of this glorious city. There are many such kindly helpers: there was Cosmas Pragensis the chronicler, Palacky the historian, there was Count Luetzow, whose works on Prague, as on his native country, are inspired by intense love of them, and illumined by transparent honesty. There are others still among us and doing useful work. A walk with Dr. Je[vr]abek in the gardens of Waldstein's palace, a talk with Professor [vS]kola, and many other good friends of mine in Prague, have made a pleasure of this work I have undertaken. Out of sheer joy in the things I have seen and heard, and the kindly spirit that informed those who helped me, have I written and illustrated this book From a Terrace in Prague.
+-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the caron has been represented with | | | |[vx] [vX] etc. | +-------------------------------------------------+
The book keeps going
Keep reading, and see it illustrated
Reading is free forever. Sign up and watch scenes appear while you read.
Scenes Storieta drew for other classics.
