Magic Prague

If any book can capture the Genius Loci of Prague, this is the one.

I tried to read this before my trip to Prague and found it inaccessible and its language pretentious. Then, after a week in the city, I started reading again. And couldn't stop. It is only when you visit the Jewish cemetery or Prague Castle that the myths, ghosts and executioners of the past come alive. Although a tough read, it is exceptionally rewarding for the traveller who wants to take more home from Prague than just Bohemian crystal.

The late Mr. Ripellino has amassed a tribute to Prague like no other. It breathes. Anyone that has ever visited the "Golden City of a 100 spires" must have had an inkling deep in their soul of what the author has magnificently put down in words. The "Old Crone [Prague] has claws", as Kafka put it, and Ripellino shows exactly why that is so. The research that went into this book is simply astounding, with my edition having 44 pages of tightly spaced notes, of 333 pages total, including index. The book takes us from one extraordinary Prague tale to another, with myth, legend and reality all melting into one pot of magic. Anyone that plans to visit the center of Europe should read this book in advance, or at least skim it on the plane. It is a tough read, being full of poetic phrases and meticulous details, which often beg for multiple readings. However, the time spent is well worth it. The book will serve as a beautiful bridge between the soul and the mind, as the traveler wanders along the cobblestones of thousand year old "Praha." p.s. I bought my edition (Picador) in Prague for 315 Kcs, or about US$ 9. The price on the back of the paperback is 9.99 British Pounds, which is about US$ 17, depending on the day.

I wish I had this book in 1981-83 when I was wandering in Prague with my camera. I wish I had this book in that attic room under the roof made with old dark wooden beams in Malostranske namesti. Karluv most was my magic everyday walkabout. I have my photographs and this book to remember when I forget that magic exists.

Ripellino's "Magic Prague" is a dense and magicalforay into the altered state of consciousness that is Prague. Theauthor blends artistic, literary, political, and alchemical history into a mystical soup, full of startling revelations and haunting grace notes. Beautifully translated from the original Italian by David Newton Marinelli. Passionately recommended.