Slovakia: The Heart of Europe (Hardcover)

~ Olga Drobna (Author), Eduard Drobny (Author), Magdalena Gocnikova (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An overview of a European country of great natural beauty, emphasizing its rich cultural traditions.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865163197
• ISBN-13: 978-0865163195
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,837,673 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A paen to all things Slovak, November 2, 2001

By	slovakgirl5 (Cleveland, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This beautifully illustrated, colorful, hardback book opens with the Slovak anthem ("Nad Tatrou") and closes with a "Prayer for Slovakia;" all points inbetween sing a beautiful paen to Slovakia. If you're looking for a Christmas gift for a Slovak relative, look no further. Published (separately) in both English and Slovak editions by Bolchazy-Carducci publishers, this picture/fact book provides a general overview of the country with its rich cultural traditions. Probably originally intended for juvenile and young adult readers, this book is a treasure trove for everyone, though, with its high-quality illustrations of all things Slovak. Places like Bratislava and Kosice...Slovak forefathers (including a nice mix of politicians, writers, musicians). There is a 2-page simplified map of "places of interest in Slovakia" that features places like castles, famous cathedrals and the Tatra mountains. Devin Castle gets 3-pages devoted to it (perhaps a bit excessive), followed by a brightly illustrated 2-page map of the High Tatras--"our miniature Alps." Next comes a section of "Slovak superlatives" (or little-known facts) pointed out with bullets. Facts like the biggest fish in Slovakia (the sheat-fish), the smallest mammal (the lesser shrew)...There is a colorful tribute to Janosik and his band of outlaws and then much space is devoted to depictions of various Slovak artwork--leatherwork, embroidery, wooden products...old Easter and Christmas customs are covered in delightful detail and if you've been puzzled by the values of Slovak currency, perplex-no-more because its' thorough lesson on Slovak money should take care of that once and for all. A 3-page spread which recants Slovakia's historical journey to independence is a valuable, concise recap and a good refresher for everyone. The book fittingly closes with Milan Rufus' "Prayer for Slovakia."

5.0 out of 5 stars Jelkanem, January 3, 2007

By	Helene D. Christ "Jelkanem" (New-York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Read the book, then go and visit the country. It is Slovakia in a nutshell. It's beauty,its people,it,s history. The illustrations are colorful and charming. I recomment the book for social studies in schools.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting introduction to the gateway country, February 4, 1999

By A Customer

Olga Drobna and company do a masterful of displaying the beauty and tragedy of Slovakian histroy. The heartfelt writing and graceful illustrations entice the reader to empathize with the beleagured little country. The translation from Slavic to English only marginally disrupts the serene nature of the book.