Velvet Revolutions

[A]mbitious... In sum, Vanek and Mücke's 'from below' perspective breaks much new ground (it scarcely mentions dissidents!), challenges preconceived notions of the communist polity, and brings to life, not least in the evocative brooding photographs of Jindrich treit, the subtle compromises, contradictions, colors, and 'messiness' of everyday life in 'normalized' Czechoslovakia. As such it will, I'm sure, prove very useful for teachers of history modules on communist Eastern Europe and political science courses on states and societies. * Kevin McDermott, Journal of Modern History *
The voices and memories that Vanek and Mücke so carefully heard and preserved give this work a rare and special human multi-dimensionality, and enhance appreciation of oral history and non-tangible heritage. * Cathleen M. Giustino, Slavic Review *
[S]hould be required reading for anyone studying the contemporary history of East Central Europe and of interest to anyone engaged in the theory and practice of social and political transformation generally... In form and content, Velvet Revolutions is a model of oral history scholarship and a fitting introduction to the remarkable body of work of the Czech Center for Oral History * Michael Kilburn, Oral History Review *
[P]ersistently thoughtful and subtly argued....This is a fascinating book precisely because it gives no simple answers. Instead, it shows the power of oral history in undermining a stereotyped historical past. Above all, through conveying a whole range of contrasting memories it undermines the stereotypes of grand history, and helps us to see the complexity of individual life experience in each successive generation. * Paul Thompson, Oral History Review *
Miroslav Vanek and Pavel Mücke ... have done something remarkable ... Velvet Revolutions: An Oral History of Czech Society is seminal. It is the first work of its kind, and hopefully Vanek and Mücke have begun a tradition of recording Czech oral history so that other works will reach an English-speaking audience. For any researcher of Czech culture, Slovak culture, or communism, this book must find its way into his or her collection. The narratives and insights are indispensable, and the book will become foundational literature for students of Czechoslovak communism from the Prague Spring to the Velvet Revolution. * Benjamin Sorensen, International Social Science Review *