The Chronicle of the Czechs by Cosmas of Prague (d. 1125) is a
masterwork of medieval historical writing, deeply erudite, consciously
researched, and narrated in high rhetorical style. Regarded as the
foundational narrative of Czech history, it is the source of the oldest
stories about the land, people, and rulers of Bohemia and Moravia. Lisa
Wolverton provides the first annotated English translation of this
eminently enjoyable and teachable work.
The first of the three books of the Chronicle describes the earliest
people to arrive in Bohemia, the first rulers and the origins of the
Přemyslid dynasty, the founding of Prague, and the early phases of
Christianization. Book Two covers the period from 1037 to 1092, the age
of Duke Břetislav I and his five contentious sons. Book III treats
events contemporary with the author's writing, a time of great political
upheaval, both internally and in relation to neighboring Germans, Poles,
and Hungarians. Preeminently concerned with rulers and political life,
the chronicle is striking for its narrative brilliance, vivid characters
and scenes, dramatic dialogues, evocative soliloquies, and deep
classical and Biblical erudition. In composing it, Cosmas sought to
define the Czechs as a nation through history, compel them to think
about their political culture, and urge reform, justice, and
responsibility.
The oldest history of a Slavic people written by a Slav, the work rivals
any medieval chronicle in its verve, accessibility, and insight into the
very nature of political power. The Chronicle of the Czechs will be
indispensable for medieval specialists wanting to extend their reach
into Eastern Europe, as well as for college instructors in search of a
lively and insightful text on medieval political life generally.
"The book's clear introduction, well-drawn maps, and generous notes
serve as gentle but essential guides for students and scholars alike.
Cosmas's medieval masterwork deserves no less than this impressive and
accessible translation."--David Mengel, Xavier University
ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:
Lisa Wolverton is associate professor of history at the University of
Oregon, coauthor of Reinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the
Internet, and author of Hastening toward Prague: Power and Society in
the Medieval Czech Lands.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
"The first Slavic historian of a Slavic people (as the translator notes,
p. 3), Cosmas described in three books the story of the Czechs from
mythic prehistory through the early generations of the ruling Premyslid
dynasty. His learned and lively history makes the age come alive, and it
is absolutely essential for the study of early Czech history. . . .
Wolverton has made an important contribution by making this text
available in English. Her translation is excellent, and the accompanying
notes are extremely useful. . . . A useful bibliography, three maps, a
genealogy, and lists of rulers and bishops complement this welcome book.
. . . Essential."--P. W. Knoll, Choice
