Synopsis
This unusual, distinctive book is a glowing, theatrical blend of history, travelogue, fictional sketch, art and literary criticism, and personal essay. Angelo Ripellino goes beyond the tourist cliché of Prague and brings out the mystery, ambiguity, gloom, lethargy, and hidden fascination of the city of the Vltava. He uses melodrama and ghost stories, as well as tales from the enchanted road and the risqué barroom to relate the sorcery of the Bohemian capital in a wonderful mix of fact and fiction.
As the book opens, Kafka and Hasek are still stalking the streets of the Old Town. In the second section we are in the seventeenth century, with its emphasis on the occult. Traveling on, we move through Prague's bordellos, theaters, ghetto, alchemists' laboratories, and cafés, accompanied by Rudolph II, Apollinaire, and Czech dadaists. The result of this imaginary guided tour is a deeper knowledge of the city than any ordinary guidebook can provide as well as an exhilarating introduction to Czech culture.
As the book opens, Kafka and Hasek are still stalking the streets of the Old Town. In the second section we are in the seventeenth century, with its emphasis on the occult. Traveling on, we move through Prague's bordellos, theaters, ghetto, alchemists' laboratories, and cafés, accompanied by Rudolph II, Apollinaire, and Czech dadaists. The result of this imaginary guided tour is a deeper knowledge of the city than any ordinary guidebook can provide as well as an exhilarating introduction to Czech culture.
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About the Author
Angelo Maria Ripellino (1923-1978) was for many years Professor of Russian Language and Lecturer in Czech Language and Literature at the University of Rome.
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Magic Prague
Published by
University of California Press, 1993
ISBN 10: 0520073525
ISBN 13: 9780520073524
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Hardcover
Seller: ICTBooks, Wichita, KS, U.S.A.
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Condition: good. Book shows wear from use but remains a usable copy. May include writing highlighting underlining library markings. LISTING USES STOCK PHOTOS AND COVER MAY VARY.Ships via USPS and typically arrives within 10-12 business days. Seller Inventory # ICV.0520073525.G
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Magic Prague
Published by
University of California Press, 1993
ISBN 10: 0520073525
ISBN 13: 9780520073524
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Condition: Good. 1st US - 1st Printing. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 5645083-6
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Magic Prague
Published by
University of California Press, 1993
ISBN 10: 0520073525
ISBN 13: 9780520073524
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Inside is clean, tight, and unmarked. Dust jacket has some shelf wear. See photos. Seller Inventory # ABE-1719851448916
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Magic Prague
Published by
University of California Press, 1993
ISBN 10: 0520073525
ISBN 13: 9780520073524
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First Edition
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Minor shelf wear to binding. Light wear & soiling on edges of text block. Text and images unmarked. Dj lightly shelf worn around edges with scuffs & small scratches. Dust jacket in a mylar cover. Seller Inventory # JCOSripMAG
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Magic Prague.
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University of California Press,, Berkeley:, 1994
ISBN 10: 0520073525
ISBN 13: 9780520073524
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First Edition
Seller: Grendel Books, ABAA/ILAB, Springfield, MA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Translated from the Italian by David Newton Marinelli. Edited by Michael Henry Heim. First edition thus. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Seller Inventory # 66286