Books by Vaclav Havel

This classic farce done in thirty scenes with no chronological sequence concerns a doctor of philosophy who has a wife, a mistress, and a secretary whose beautiful legs make it difficult for him to concentrate when she is taking dictation.

In the face of Europe's rising nationalism and intolerance, this timely anthology by Czech writers addresses a key issue for today. The courage of Czech writers is legendary. During the Cold War they kept their nation's conscience alive by clandestine publishing while imprisoned as "dissidents" or collecting garbage, washing windows or selling fish as "non-persons," and then they took the lead in the Velvet Revolution of 1989 that overthrew communism.In Europe and the West today - with its rising nationalism and political extremism - subtlety, humour and sharp intelligence are needed more than ever, and this volume of stories, poetry, essays and drama showcases some of the best Czech writing on these important topics. The volume also lends insight into the role of Czech writers during two of the darkest periods of Central European history: the struggles against fascism and communism.

Forming part of the Vanek Plays trilogy, Audience is a cleverly-constructed satire on power and those who wield it. Vanek is summoned to a meeting with the Head Maltster and offered promotion, but only if he informs on himself!2 men

Private View has the same irony and touch of comic absurdity as its two companion pieces in the Vanek trilogy. Invited by his ridiculous friends Michael and Vera, the mild-mannered writer, Vanek, endeavours to enthuse over their newly, pretentiously refurbished flat. But as the couple happily express the perfection of their marriage their tone gradually develops into a personal attack on Vanek.|1 woman, 2 men

Books of great political insight and novelty always outlive their time of birth and this reissued work, initially published in 1985, is no exception

Contains essays dealing with spiritual preconditions of the global survival of humankind and the quintessence of the author's views on the world which we have inherited - as well as his views on our hopes for the future. This book closes with the author's personal reflection on the deeper meaning and aim of the Forum 2000 meetings.

Includes the essays of political writing that are emerged from central and Eastern Europe during the whole of the post-war period.

The Czech President Vaclav Havel, a force on behalf of international human rights and his country's most celebrated dissident, first gained prominence as a playwright. During the period when Havel was blacklisted by the Czechoslovakian government for...

Vaclav Havel is one of the most important European writers of our time. These letters form a remarkable document, and a work of lasting value. 'From Havel, we learn that the true heroes of our time are those who stay the course.' Bruce Chatwin

The plays in this volume include "Largo Desolato", "Temptation" and "Redevelopment" in versions by Tom Stoppard, George Theiner and James Saunders, respectively. Their themes are freedom of thought, Faustian opportunism and town-planning.