Like many other European countries, the Czech Republic has a rich culture and history, which makes it a magnet for travelers to Eastern Europe. This book concentrates on the territory of Moravia, a part of the Czech Republic, often in the shadow of the capital city of Prague but which deserves attention and appreciation in its own right. After all, it is the place where the Great Moravian Empire was established and became the first major homeland of the Slavic people. The book brings a unique view of how this region is seen and understood from afar-the United States. The author writes, "The absence of a published focus on Moravia, one of the two main regions of the Czech Republic, was for me the major driving force for this book. In looking at various sources, one quickly realizes that information about the Czech Republic is dominated by Bohemia. Finally, the history of Moravia is as rich as that of Bohemia, most notably by the fact that Great Moravia preceded Bohemia." Moravia: Gem of the Czech Republic includes a history of Moravia, its regions, towns, and cities, some notable Moravians, the culture of the region, Moravian immigrants to North America, and the preservation of Moravia's treasures. The 156 color photographs and illustrations by the author show the beauty of the countryside, towns, villages, castles, culture, and people of Moravia. Author Robert J. Tomanek, PhD is Professor Emeritus Anatomy and Cell Biology Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
About the Author: Robert J. Tomanek, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. He is a first generation American, the son of parents who immigrated to Omaha from Bohemia in the 1920s. His family was active in the Omaha Czech community there. His father, a tailor, was a member of the Omaha Czech Drama Club. Robert received his BS from Omaha University and his PhD from the University of Iowa. He has published numerous scientific papers and edited books. He is a member of the President's Club of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He met his wife Rita Svoboda, a native of Cedar Rapids, through Sokol gymnastics. She grew up not far from the Czech Village and is an artist. The Tomaneks travel regularly to the Czech Republic. They found that the eastern part of the Czech Republic, Moravia, is blessed with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a unique culture. Robert's parents, as well as his wife Rita's grandmother, were born in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, a region that lies partly in Bohemia and partly in Moravia. Their heritage fostered a curiosity leading to an exploration of Moravia, including visits to all of the major cities and many villages. Accordingly, Robert authored this book, which describes Moravian people, places, history, and culture in both words and photographs. The Tomanek's used a Nikon-Coolpix camera to take the photographs. The goal of this book is to share Moravia with an English speaking readership and to document the claim that Moravia is "a gem of the Czech Republic."