Živoucí pomník národa - František Ladislav Rieger jako tvůrce a objekt české historické paměti (2026)

Few historical figures occupy such an ambiguous position in the historical memory of contemporary Czech society as František Ladislav Rieger. Although his personality is remembered on significant anniversaries, he is now rather a forgotten figure in Czech history. How did someone once called the “leader of the nation” and enormously popular among his fellow citizens begin to disappear from public awareness relatively soon after his death? Pavel Máša seeks to answer this question by first examining Rieger’s relationship with history, his role in shaping Czech historical memory and his politics of remembrance. He then explores Rieger’s efforts to shape his own historical image and presents the various media through which he sought to form the public image of his activities for his contemporaries and future generations. The book also considers how contemporary society responded to Rieger’s narrative. In conclusion, drawing on new findings and previous research, the author reflects on the extent to which the Old Czech politician succeeded in influencing his place in the historical memory of Czech society.