Bůh písně není mrtev - Publicistika z let 1967-2024 – Merta Vladimír (2024)

The book God of Songs Is Not Dead is not only a collection of journalistic texts by Vladimír Merta, a singer-songwriter who pushed Czech folk to the borders of the essay. It is also a valuable document contributing to the mapping of half a century of Czech history, culture, and the artistic struggle for freedom. This unique collection of over six hundred pages of reflections, commentaries, and essays covering decades of turbulent Czech and Czechoslovak history reflects both Merta's personal artistic development and broader societal changes from the sixties to the present. The texts bear the author's characteristic handwriting: a combination of deep contemplation and sharp wit from an artist who redefined the Czech music scene. Many of the texts have the character of historical fragments that draw the reader back to the times when singer-songwriters like Vladimír Merta were the voice of resistance against the communist regime. The concluding essay, The Chilling Mystique of War, which won the Tom Stoppard Award 2024, will compel readers to reflect on the chasm between words and actions. This book by an icon of Czech singer-songwriter culture is intended for anyone interested in contemporary Czech culture, history, and art. It is an ideal source of insights and connections for students, historians, witnesses, music enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration and new perspectives...