This history presents a broad canvas of post-war Czech literary developments within the cultural and political context of the times. Information is provided about the many English-language translations from Czech literature, and the circumstances in which these translations came about. Analysis is by way of quoting from original Czech works, especially poetry, with English translation. Profiles of the Most Important Czech Writers since 1945 gives biographical and bibliographical details about the most important post-war Czech writers, and links to secondary literature in English. The volume also includes a bibliographical list of the most important works in English on Czech history, literary history and politics, as well as a list of anthologies of Czech post-war literature in English. Originally published in Czech as part of a larger project (Ceska literatura od pocatku k dneku [Czech literature from its Beginnings to the Present Day], Prague, 1998, expanded edition 2002), an updated version of this History was published in German as Geschichte der tschechischen literatur des 20. Jahrhunderts (Vienna 2003). This English translation has been entirely re-worked, taking the needs of the English-speaking reader and student into consideration. The translation was made by Elizabeth S Morrison, in co-operation with Jiri Holy and Jan Culik, Senior lecturer in Czech Studies at the University of Glasgow. The book is intended for all readers interested in or studying the literatures and cultures of Central Europe. It is essential reading for students of Czech and Slavonic Studies.