Zámky Čech a Moravy - Příběhy paláců, rezidencí a letohrádků – Kvirenc Jan (2022)

Visiting a castle is something like a fairy tale. Perhaps everyone at some point succumbs to the ostentatious splendor, reflects on past glory, and enjoys a peaceful walk through the enchanting castle park or garden. The book by experienced author and educator Jan Kvirenc (which follows the successful volume dedicated to Czech and Moravian castles) offers something extra: stories of remarkable residences and their owners or visitors, many of whom have left an indelible mark on the history of our country, Europe, or the entire world, or helped create something unique that has no equivalent elsewhere. As usual, there are extensive quotes from various sources, a broader historical context, a wealth of historical and contemporary photographs, and above all, plenty of interesting and sometimes perhaps unexpected information that will delight and enrich every history lover. At which castle did a scandalous noblewoman perish in an explosion? In which noble family did Karel Čapek serve as a tutor? Where can we find the castle that turned into a hospital in the 19th century? Which castle lord was portrayed by Karel Škréta? Who were the Black Lady, the Whip of Europe, or the Pearl of Moravia? Was František Palacký really a model student?