Library Journal
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This selection of Havel's 25 best essays written since 1965 is a fascinating chronicle of the development and ideas of the greatly admired Czechoslovakian dissident turned president. Whether he muses on Gorbachev, his harassment by the police, or the ever-present danger of injustices being committed in service of noble words, Havel writes with clarity, wit, eloquence, a steadfast optimism, and remarkable courage. Although some of the pieces were already published in Vaclav Havel, or Living in Truth ( LJ 8/87), such as the influential essays on the nature of totalitarianism (``Power of the Powerless'') and on the global crises of human responsibility (``Politics and Conscience''), this is an important book that belongs in both academic and public libraries.-- Marie Bednar, Pennsylvania State Univ. Libs., University Park (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly
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In a prescient 1987 essay, Czech playwright Havel, now his country's president, mocks those who look to ``Glasnost Czar'' Gorbachev as a liberator. Many of the pieces in this stirring collection of political essays, letters, speeches, autobiographical sketches, interviews and musings prefigure the upsurge of suppressed longings for freedom that toppled Czechoslovokia's totalitarian regime. A recurring theme is that fundamental change, whether in the East or the West, must begin with the individual conscience, with people resisting bureaucracy, ideologies and sloganeering. More than a third of the 25 selections appear here in English for the first time. The book closes with Havel's ringing 1990 New Year's address envisioning a democratic, prosperous republic that has overcome an obsolete economy, bankrupt school system and polluted environment. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

An inspiring collection of essays, interviews, and letters, several of which have never been published in English, from the erudite, uncompromising Havel, taking the full measure of his humanism and democratic spirit. Ever the voice of reason and gentle, wry persuasion, Havel appears in these writings in a variety of guises: as a participant in the liberating Prague Spring of 1968, calling for a democratic opposition party in Czechoslovakia; as a thorn in the side of the subsequent repressive government, detailing its perfidious practices as proof of the need for organized dissent; as a silenced prisoner, first under house arrest and in the early 80's incarcerated as a subversive; and finally as the president of Czechoslovakia, still challenging his fellow citizens to throw off their reticence and work together to build a truly democratic state. Matters philosophical and practical, linguistic and sociological combine time and again in these statements over the decades, until a living synthesis emerges--a moral and political philosophy born of principled resistance to oppression and an abiding faith in the oppressed. The many short critiques and longer, more theoretical essays (``The Power of the Powerless,'' ``Anatomy of a Reticence'') can easily be viewed as calls to action on a wide front; and by calmly and objectively taking stock in each instance, undermining the Party line with ready humor and logic, Havel wields the pen mightily to prove how richly his reputation is deserved. A fitting tribute to a cultural and political hero, and a valuable resource for anyone seeking reassurance that the principles of democracy are still cherished in our time.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

In a companion volume to his autobiographical interview Disturbing the Peace [BKL My 15 90], Czech litterateur-turned-politician Havel issues authorized translations of essays that suggest how and why the dissident playwright ultimately stepped in to become president of his country. Havel covers matters ideological, philosophical, and aesthetic, as well as political, as he explains his activism for the cause of freedom and the human spirit. Since Havel's courage matches his conviction in these passionate statements, the impact of his ideas and words is considerable. Editor Wilson supplies an introduction to both Havel's career and his thoughts. ~--John Brosnahan

Publishers Weekly
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A stirring collection of political essays, letters, speeches, autobiographical sketches, interviews and musings, mostly from the years that Havel, now Czechoslovakia's president, spent as his nation's leading dissident. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved