ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 29, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "The Plastic People of the Universe" was a wildly popular Czech rock band in the early 1970's when their members were harassed, arrested, tried, and jailed by the communist authorities. This affront to the freedom of creative expression inspired many people to take action, some of whom would lead their nations to freedom and independence. Living Within The Truth:1989 and the Rise of Civil Society in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland is a comprehensive study that author John S. Glaser dedicates to the band as he traces the cultural, political, social, and economic forces which shaped and influenced the revolutions of 1989.
The tribulations of "The Plastic People of the Universe" drew the attention of Vaclav Havel, a well-known playwright and satirist. As a result, Havel and other leaders from across Central and Eastern Europe eventually set in motion a series of extraordinary events which ultimately led to the demise of the authoritarian regimes throughout the region. Revolutionary leaders Adam Michnik of Poland and Janos Kis of Hungary are also profiled in the book.
This in-depth study places the events in each country in their historical context from earliest times to the present. It includes a look at the various philosophies of civil society throughout the ages, discusses the nature of foreign aid aimed at assisting with the transition to democracy, and reviews a number of studies designed to evaluate the impact of the revolutions in creating viable and enduring civil societies.
Living Within The Truth is a book about truth, courage, loyalty, and solidarity. It is about unity, principle, victory, and redemption. It is about new words and phrases coming into the common language of revolution, such as living within the truth, the "nonpolitical politics" of self-limiting revolutions and explained for future generations. To get a copy of this stimulating and thought provoking read, just log on to Xlibris.com or visit a local book retailer near you.
About the Author
John S. Glaser has lived, worked, and traveled extensively throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the years before and following the world-shaking events he describes. During that time, he met with such key leaders as Lech Walesa, Viktor Orban, the late Jacek Kuron and Alexander Dubcek, and other principals involved in initiating and consolidating the gains of the revolutions of 1989. Throughout his career, he has served national and international NGOs that promote civil society.
Living Within the Truth:
1989 and the Rise of Civil Society in the
Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland
By John S. Glaser
Publication Date: September 1, 2008
Trade Paperback; $19.54; 354 pages; 978-1-4010-8600-8
Cloth Hardback; $29.69; 354 pages; 978-1-4010-8601-5
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7836. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x.7876.
Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.