What is the importance of Prague as noted in the book, Under a Cruel Star: A Life in Prague 1941-1968?

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and was, during the time of the book, also the capital and largest city of Czechoslovakia. It is widely considered to be among the most beautiful cities in the world and the author certainly esteems the city as a vibrant and organic location. Prague was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II and from 1948 through 1968 Prague was under the military and political control of the Soviet Union.