Some research is original and unexpected; this volume is one such. On the surface of it, Irish and Czech cultures would appear to be far apart. But, like many things in the melting pot of
European civilization, the truth is more convoluted. Both countries have a rich cultural history, and both had spent much time struggling for freedom and independence, and there have been
significant cross-cultural currents linking the two, from the early religious influences (Jan Hus’ adoption of the elements of Wycliffe’s theology and Irish monastic houses established in
Bohemia), to the later status of the Czech lands as destination for many Irish emigrants who fled the country in the post-Cromwell years. Starting in the early 19th century, a reciprocal
cultural current was established in the opposite direction as well. This collection of papers by a mix of scholars from both countries and supported by the Metropolitan University Prague
elucidates all these connections and places them in a wider historical context of the European cultural development. It is a foundation only, establishing parameters for future research into
this neglected corner of cultural history. Annotation ©2014 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
