Vaclav Havel
Born on the 5th October 1936, Vaclav Havel is a Czech playwright, essayist, poet, dissident and politician. He was the last (10th) President of Czechoslovakia (1989- 1992) and the first President of the Czech Republic ( 1993-2003)
From 1960 his works focussed on the politics of Czechoslovakia. After the Prague Spring of 1968 ( invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw pact armies led by Soviet Russia) he became more active in his political writings and in 1977 became involved in Charter 77, a human rights-civil society group. For these activities, he was put in prison for several times.
The 1989 "Velvet Revolution" - ( a bloodless mass protest started by students followed by the general population - very much like what happened in Tunisia and Egypt recently) - launched Vaclav Havel into becoming the President which led Czechoslovakia into a multiparty democracy from Communist Totalitarianism.
The Politics of Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia was ruled for many years by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia with its totalitarian rule allowing no opposition at all. In January 1968, Alexander Dubcek came into power and started a reform program of decentralisation of administrative authority etc which was not liked by the Soviet leaders who led a Warsaw Pact army to invade and occupy Czechoslovakia. The invasion saw a non-violent protest by students but no military resistance from the army of Czechoslovakia. ( One student carried out a protest suicide - quite like what happened in Tunisia recently ). This invasion which took place in the spring of 1968 became well known as the " Prague Spring". It inspired works in music and literature and propelled names like Vaclav Havel, Karel Husa, Karel Kryc and Milan Kundera into the limelight.
The 'Velvet Revolution' took place in 1989. A peaceful student street protest was dealt with by the police with harsh means which triggered a massive non-violent uprising of the general population. Sensing a strong generalised mood against it, the Communist government gave in to the public and relinquished power. Vaclav Havel was made President and Alexander Dubcek became the Speaker of Parliament. This revolution saw the beginning of a multiparty democracy in Czechoslovakia.
To the Castle and Back
This is Vaclav Havel's memoirs. Pakdokter picked it up at the book-store in Prague last month. It was an 'easy and interesting' reading especially if one has in mind the history and politics of Czechoslovakia. Vaclav Havel wrote his thoughts and feelings on the many topics about politics and the people in politics in his country. His observation of the places he visited and the people he met up with were also jotted down. He also included all the many 'little notes' he made during the years as President - he is either a very meticulous person or he could be someone troubled by forgetfulness. There were hints in the book that he may be suffering from a ' depressive illness' ( this is the psychiatrist in pakdokter at work) - well, many an artistic person do suffer from mood disorder - and that he enjoys his drinks maybe too much at times.
This 'Memoir' opens up a lot into Vaclav Havel, the person.
Pakdokter hopes Dr M will complete his 'memoir' soon....
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