Prague Coup

Graham Greene was involved in writing the script for the film The Prague Coup in 1948, which was based on a true event and took place in the Czech capital.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 11 December 2018
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd

In the winter of 1948, the Czech capital, Prague, found itself under the occupation of allied forces. Amidst this backdrop, author Graham Greene immersed himself in the intricate plot to unseat the government of Czechoslovakia, a momentous event that would be etched in history as The Prague Coup. Collaborating with London Films, Greene diligently worked on the writing of his upcoming feature film, with the enigmatic Elizabeth Montagu by his side. What began as a seemingly peaceful mission swiftly descended into a revolution, a turning point that would forever be remembered as the coup de Prague.

The Prague Coup, a pivotal event in history, unfolded in the winter of 1948 when the Czech capital, Prague, was occupied by allied forces. Author Graham Greene, in the midst of this political turmoil, delved into an intricate plot to overthrow the Czechoslovakian government. Assisted by the enigmatic Elizabeth Montagu, Greene diligently worked on the writing of his upcoming feature film. However, what initially seemed like a peaceful mission quickly transformed into a revolution, a momentous event that would be etched in history as the coup de Prague.

The coup de Prague marked a significant turning point in world politics, as it symbolized the resistance against the spread of communism in Europe. The allied forces, led by the United States and the United Kingdom, were determined to prevent the spread of Soviet influence and maintain the stability of the region. The coup was a bold move by the Czechoslovakian resistance, who were determined to protect their country's independence and democracy.

The aftermath of the coup was marked by political instability and violence. The Czechoslovakian government was overthrown, and a new government was installed under the leadership of General Jaroslav Havel. However, the new government faced numerous challenges, including economic turmoil, political polarization, and the continued presence of Soviet influence in the region.

The coup de Prague also had a lasting impact on Graham Greene's life and work. The event inspired Greene to write his novel "The Quiet American," which was published in 1955. The novel, set in Vietnam during the French colonial era, explores the themes of political corruption, imperialism, and the struggle for freedom. Greene's portrayal of the characters in "The Quiet American" was influenced by his experiences and observations of the events surrounding the coup de Prague.

In conclusion, the Prague Coup of 1948 was a pivotal event in history that marked the resistance against the spread of communism in Europe. Author Graham Greene, through his collaboration with London Films and the enigmatic Elizabeth Montagu, played a significant role in the plot to unseat the Czechoslovakian government. The coup led to political instability, violence, and the installation of a new government under General Jaroslav Havel. It also inspired Greene to write his novel "The Quiet American," which explored the themes of political corruption, imperialism, and the struggle for freedom. The coup de Prague remains a testament to the resilience and determination of the Czech people in the face of adversity.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 281 x 209 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785868870