OIKOYMENH, an association dedicated to publishing philosophical and theological literature, is the only Czech publishing house directly continuing the samizdat editorial activities from the period of "normalization." Founded in the 1970s by Ladislav Hejdánek, OIKOYMENH entered the free cultural space after 1989—first as part of the Institute for Central European Culture and Politics, later as an independent civic association (now a registered association). Its mission is to publish classical philosophical and theological works as well as significant studies in the social sciences, thereby contributing to the renewal of spiritual life in the Czech Republic.
The publishing house quickly gained a loyal readership and, over time, became one of the most significant publishers of philosophical and theological literature in the country. In 2007, it was awarded the Magnesia Litera Prize for its extensive multi-volume project on the history of philosophy. The publishing activities of OIKOYMENH are overseen by an editorial board composed of leading experts in the respective fields. The selection of titles is not driven by commercial strategy but follows a non-profit approach, effectively serving the Czech public. The collection of classic works, now comprising over 500 volumes, can rightly be considered a public resource.
Establishment of the Editorial Department
For many years, the success of OIKOYMENH’s publishing activities relied on the organizational skills and personal commitment of Aleš Havlíček. Following his sudden passing in July 2015, it became necessary to explore new ways to continue publishing, despite the deteriorating market conditions. To ensure continuity, the OIKOYMENH Editorial Department was established within the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences (FLÚ AV ČR). This department aims to build on the association’s legacy and continue publishing books within the existing OIKOYMENH series.
The new editorial department operates as part of the Jan Patočka Archive at the Center for Theoretical Studies, a joint research center of the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Prague. It shares an editorial board with the independent OIKOYMENH association, appointed by the director of FLÚ upon the association’s recommendation. The department officially began operations in early 2017, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the passing of philosopher Jan Patočka and the proclamation of Charter 77. Its first publication was a facsimile of a samizdat manuscript, containing Patočka’s texts related to Charter 77, reports on his funeral, and several key obituaries—marking a symbolic editorial contribution.
Editorial Board and Team
The Chairman of the Editorial Board is Ivan Chvatík. The board members (in alphabetical order) are:
Jiří Chotaš, Petr Kitzler, Pavel Kouba, Jan Kuneš, Milan Lyčka, Vladimír Mikeš, Václav Němec, Aleš Prázný, Štěpán Špinka, and Miroslav Šedina.
Editorial Department Staff: Mgr. Martin Žemla, Ph.D. Ruth J. Weiniger, Jan Leffler
Contacts:
OIKOYMENH Publishing Email:
Ivan Chvatík – Director of the Jan Patočka Archive
e-mail:
phone: +420 221 183 531
Martin Žemla – Head of OIKOYMENH Editorial Department
e-mail:
phone: +420 221 183 335
Matyáš Nádassy – Technical Editor
e-mail:
phone: +420 221 183 335
Ruth J. Weiniger - sales manager
e-mail:
phone: +420 777 562 142
Jan Leffler – distribution
e-mail:
phone: +420 221 183 335
