Let's get this straight: this isn't a novel with a single plot. It's a collection of sketches, a reporter's notebook come to life. Kisch, a legendary journalist nicknamed 'The Raging Reporter,' takes us on a series of walks through his hometown. Each chapter is a snapshot, a short story ripped from the headlines of everyday life in Prague before World War I.

The Story

There's no main character except Prague itself. One moment, we're following a detective on a bizarre case. The next, we're listening to the tall tales of a veteran cab driver, or peeking into the frantic world of a newspaper office as a deadline looms. We meet pickpockets, fortune-tellers, and lonely souls who haunt the night. Kisch has a genius for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. A simple walk home becomes an adventure, and a conversation in a pub can reveal the entire social fabric of the city. It's less about a linear story and more about building a complete, breathing portrait of a place at a specific, thrilling moment in time.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because it makes history feel alive and messy. Kisch doesn't give us dry facts. He gives us smells, sounds, and arguments. His writing is urgent and full of wit. He's clearly in love with Prague, but he's not a romantic—he sees the dirt, the poverty, and the injustice, and he reports it all with equal passion. Reading this, you don't just learn about old Prague; you feel like you've been there. You develop a real affection for its alleyways and its unforgettable, often eccentric, inhabitants.

Final Verdict

Perfect for travelers who want to dig deeper than the guidebooks, for anyone who loves urban history, or for readers who enjoy immersive nonfiction with a strong personality. If you like the idea of a time machine built from words, this is your book. It’s a vibrant, noisy, and utterly captivating tour of a city, led by the best guide you could ask for: someone who knows all its secrets and isn't afraid to share them.