Atlas našich automobilů - History of Czech and Slovakian cars

[pnegyesi]

Volume 1 by Adolf Kuba, 1988
Nakladatelstvi Dopravy a spoju Praha
264 pages, 158 illustrations
OD 31 019 88 - 05-109

I believe there were three volumes published. The first two were written by Adolf Kuba before he died in 1987.

Volume 1 which deals with cars built until 1914 was one of the first automotive history books I ever get my hands on many years ago. Though I did not speak Czech, the attention to detail was quite evident. Though this is a soft-cover book on bad paper, which easily falls apart but it is the single best resource on the pre-2nd World War Czech and Slovakian auto industry. It goes in chronological order and describes every single car and truck built in then-Czechoslovakia with one or two illustrations (mostly b&w) and key technical specifications.
Volume 2 and 3 are equally good, but Volume 1 still holds a special place in my heart.

[hugo90]

Just read your review and realized I have that book, a mint copy sent to me by a Czech friend years ago.  I only have number 1, and now I will have to spend more time with it.  Thanks.

[pnegyesi]

I'm planning to do more book reviews, once my lectures on automotive history  are finished. I have 32 pupils

[oko94]

For your information, there are indeed four volumes in this series, not three. The fourth volume covers the 1937-1963 period. It's been written by Milan Spremo, who co-wrote the third volume. It was published in 1991.

[pnegyesi]

Thanks for the update oko94. I have to get my hands on Volume 4. In the meantime I have an extra copy of vol 3 if anyone is interested. I would be happy to exchange it