Writing as an obsession

This insightful book-length interview with journalist, science populariser, and writer Karel Pacner is published to mark his significant birthday. The questions, posed by Martina Riebauerová, the head script editor for Události, komentáře and Interview ČT 24, are not just about the past. They are very current. The author reflects on various areas of science and modern history with an emphasis on espionage, demonstrating an unparalleled breadth of knowledge. He comments on Elon Musk's projects just as competently as he does on the dangers of an oligarchic approach to state governance during the coronavirus era. A special chapter offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Mladá fronta and MF Dnes newspapers, where Karel Pacner spent his entire professional life. And, of course, it includes memories of the first men landing on the Moon, as the author was one of only two Czechs present at the launch of Apollo 11 in July 1969. Each chapter forms a single thematic unit, and each is introduced by a prominent figure connected to both the topic and Karel Pacner, someone with something important to say. 1. The Big Little Boy by Eva Svobodová, née Pacnerová 2. Sixty Years in One Newsroom by Marcela Pecháčková, journalist 3. Journey into Space by Jan Kolář, Director of the Czech Space Office 4. A New Quarter-Century by Jiří Janata, Stanford University, USA 5. Cosy Parties by Václav Pačes, biochemist, former Director of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences 8. In Pursuit of Spies by Karel Hynie, director and script editor 7. Bookworm by Ondřej Müller, Programme Director of Albatros Media 8. At War with the Virus by Petr Nežil, cardiologist. "...in 1998, I embarked on a long and adventurous journey, just as Karel Pacner had 'predicted' for me – I became the programme director of the Albatros publishing house, and I've been flying on its wings ever since. Alongside Karel Pacner! With his books that we have already published, and those we are planning together and will publish in the future. In this respect, Karel is a unique navigator and flight engineer. He surveys the terrain and seeks out topics that would be interesting to write about. He has his own publishing plan set for several years ahead, consults with the editorial team regularly, and delivers his manuscripts on the dot, if not much earlier. It's a joy to fly with Karel to Mars and far beyond on the wings of understanding!" Ondřej Müller