Anyone in search of England can do no better than to take up Karel Capek's Letters from England. Humorous, insightful and imbued with a profound humanity, Capek's letters convey a bemused admiration for a country which in the 1920's still lived according to the memory of its greatness. With a light touch and artistic flourish, Capek describes the virtues and vices of Europe's oldest democracy for the benefit of the citizens of Europe's newest. As Czechoslovakia emerged as an independent nation after years of Hapsburg domination, its citizens empathised with the British love of their country and their customs. Letters From England was banned by the Nazi's and later by the Communists. This new translation gives us a rare opportunity to enjoy the unusual foundations of a national culture.

Translated by: Geoffrey Newsome