Mezi tiárou a orlicí - Příběh prvního českého krále Vratislava I. – Vondruška Vlastimil (2025)

The first Czech king, Vratislav, is a figure in Czech literature unjustly overlooked. It is precisely thanks to him that the Czech lands first became a significant force in Central European politics. The dramatic story from the second half of the 11th century recounts, based on preserved historical sources, his long and tumultuous life. The struggle for power, bloody battles, and the plundering of enemy territory intertwine with the everyday life of the Přemyslid court. In a colorful mosaic, stories of love and infidelity unfold, describing knightly tournaments, coronation celebrations, and feasts. The fates of the Přemyslids enter into the emperor's battle against the pope, into the struggles of the Polish and Hungarian kings for power, but also into the lives of leading Czech nobles. The stage of the story is all of contemporary Europe. The author, as in his previous books, has conjured a perfect illusion of medieval life, crafted in a modern and readable style. In terms of scope and historical accuracy, it ranks among the most interesting novels of recent years.