Summer Meditations (Paperback)

by Vaclav Havel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Government officials have a moral responsibility to serve the people, according to this forthright personal testament from Havel, the playwright who is now president of the Czech Republic.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Havel, noted playwright, imprisoned dissident, and now president of Czechoslovakia, has written a concise, personal political testament that offers useful insights into his philosophy of leadership. Originally written in the summer of 1991, this translation includes some revisions and remarks as of February 1992. While Havel downplays his role in the transforming events of 1989 ("I became an instrument of the time. . . . History forged ahead and through me, guiding my activities " ), he sets forth a clear political agenda for Czechoslovakia and stresses the need to cultivate a "higher responsibility " of public service. He proposes reforms in the electoral process and a new federal constitution to help alleviate tensions between the Czechs and Slovaks. Havel is a reluctant yet determined ruler, and this modest manifesto admirably reflects his desire to fuse practical politics with morality and good taste. This is an important complement to Havel's previous political writings, collected as Open Letters ( LJ 6/15/91). Highly recommended for most libraries. Portions of this book appeared first in the New York Review of Books .--Ed.
-Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Vintage (June 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679744975
• ISBN-13: 978-0679744979
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #613,767 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous!, June 30, 1999

By	Christian Anderson (University Park, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

How many politicians take the time to sit back and think about their career, the world around them, and the state of affairs in general? How many take the time to then write what they are thinking and share it with the world? Few; almost none. That is what makes Havel so special and this book so inspiring. By the time you read it many of the arguments he makes for and against certain laws or policies may be largely moot. But that isn't the point! The point of the book is to look at Havel's sense of morality and his philosophy of politics and government. Every politician should be required to read this book!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite books, June 17, 2005

By	Sarah (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

I first picked up this book before I headed off to college 8 years ago and couldn't put it down. I now pick it up every so often to read through all the pages I underlined and highlighted for brillant thoughts. It's an inspirational book. I reference it as a must read to all the students I mentor now who have interests in government.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air in a world of political smog and smut., February 6, 1999

By A Customer

Havel's heart is placed on each page. His masterful ability to break down complex issues with his personal moral code inspires hope and resolve in the reader. A true world leader and example in a world of fallen leaders and stained examples. The reader leaves the book a better person. And in the final analysis, isn't this what it is all about? Havel thinks so.