Vaclav Havel

Beginning of article

Dissident playwright who became the first president of the new Czech Republic

The Czech president and playwright Vaclav Havel was the most unexpected, and most brilliant, of the new leaders who emerged from east Europe's peaceful revolutions against Communism. Poland's Lech Walesa matched Havel as a canny guide of anti-Communist opposition, but tarnished his reputation when he became his country's first post- Communist president. By contrast Havel's stature continued to grow after he was chosen head of state in December 1989.

The key to his achievement was an unusual combination of intellect, moral firmness tested by prison and persecution, and natural political …