New Books Network Cynthia Paces, "Prague: The Heart of Europe" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Nov 2, 2025
Cynthia Paces, a history professor at the College of New Jersey with a focus on modern East Central Europe, shares insights from her new book on Prague. She reveals her personal ties to the city and discusses key historical periods, from Charles IV to 20th-century upheavals. Paces also highlights the importance of including women's perspectives in history. For travelers, she recommends hidden gems in Prague, like Vyšehrad and the cobblestone memorial. Lastly, she teases her upcoming research on the global impact of Lidice.
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First Visit During 1990 Revolution
- Cynthia Paces first visited Prague in the summer of 1990 during the post-revolution elections and cultural surge.
- She brought home souvenirs like a Václav Havel matchbox and a Rolling Stones poster that mark that transformative moment.
Treat Medieval Sources With Caution
- Medieval sources for Prague mix history and literary agendas, so historians must treat them cautiously.
- Cynthia learned to lean on medievalists and archaeology to separate myth from plausible history.
Two Turning Points: Charles IV And Industry
- Charles IV shaped Prague into a European center of art, learning, and ecclesiastical power that still defines the city.
- The Industrial Revolution later transformed Prague's demographics and created the conditions for Czech national identity to emerge.
