Czech Learning Community and Resources

Introduction: What is Czech Literature and How Has it Evolved Over Time?

Czech literature is a rich and diverse body of work that has been shaped by centuries of cultural influences, including those from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and other parts of Central Europe. It has evolved over time, with authors such as Karel Čapek, Bohumil Hrabal and Milan Kundera making significant contributions to the literary landscape.

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The roots of Czech literature can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with Bohemian ducal courtly poetry. The first major literary work published in what would eventually become the Czech Republic was "Zizkari Jáchymovský" by Jan Amos Komensky (completed in 1624). During the following centuries, German and French influences would significantly affect Czech literature. Following World War II, a new generation of writers emerged including Bohumil Hrabal and Karel Čapek who made significant contributions to the literary landscape. Notable Czech authors include: Milan Kundera, Josef Škvorecký, Ivo Andrle, Jaroslav Seifert, Vladimír Holan.The main Czech language newspapers in the country are "Lidové noviny", "Mladá fronta Dnes" and "DeníkN". Other newspapers include the English-language "Prague Daily Monitor" and magazines such as "Přítomnost".

This article will provide only an introduction to Czech literature by highlighting its main milestones and figures and also suggesting additional resources for studying this topic. There is much more to the literature landscape which we shall explore in following articles.

The Golden Age of Czech Literature and Its Most Famous Authors

Czech literature is full of iconic writers who have left a lasting legacy. Johannes A Schenk, Jan Neruda, Karel Capek, Frantisek Halas, and Jaroslav Seifert are all renowned authors associated with Czech literature. These writers are known for their unique styles and themes which often explore the complexities of human relationships, politics and society. Their works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to inspire readers around the world.

Born in 1854, Frantisek Halas was a prolific writer and political thinker who greatly influenced the development of Czech literature. His writing explored multiple themes including philosophy, history, sociology and literature in a way that was ahead of its time.

Johannes A Schenk was born in 1871 and died in 1944. He is best known for his novel "The Man Without Qualities" which has been translated into over twenty-five languages.

Jan Neruda, born in 1896, is one of the most recognized Czech poets of the 20th century. His poems and songs have been translated into multiple languages. He is known for his use of personal experience and direct poetic expression with a clear voice that can be heard all across Czech Republic, Europe, North America, Africa and elsewhere.  He is a major influence on the Czech songwriting scene and is often cited as the father of modern Czech music.

Karel Capek was a visionary playwright and author who made his mark on the world of science fiction literature. Born in 1890, he was ahead of his time in predicting the impacts future scientific achievements would have on humanity. His work explored themes such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, inspiring generations of creators to come. His legacy will remain an important part of our cultural history for years to come. Capek was born in Prague on September 28, 1890. His father was a woodcutter and his mother sold milk. He studied law at Charles University in Prague before studying philosophy at the university there and then becoming a journalist. He also wrote poetry while working as a tutor to wealthy families, but never completed his degree due to the circumstances of World War I.Capek's first novel, R.U.R., or Rossum's Universal Robots (1921), explored the possibility of creating an artificial life form that would take over human labor and allow people more time for leisure activities like art and philosophy. He followed this novel with The Wooden Prince (1923), which, along with War with the Newts (1936) and Hideki Tojo's defense of his military coup, is considered to be the first science fiction novel ever written.

Jaroslav Seifert, who was born in 1926 and was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1987. Jaroslav Seifert's works were mainly focused on social criticism from both an individual perspective as well as from an overall societal perspective. He has been dubbed "the great man for our times" for his writings which examined contemporary society with critical insight .

Milan Kundera is a Czech-American novelist, philosopher and playwright born in 1929. His most famous works are The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984) and The Book of Laughter and Forgetting (1983). Kundera has been called the father of postmodern literature because he was one of the first to reject universal truths while still focusing on serious themes. He is the recipient of many literary awards, including France's Prix Médicis Étranger for Life Is Elsewhere in 1983 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1999.

Josef Skvorecky was a leading Czechoslovakian author, born in 1929. He was the 1979 winner of the Neustadt International Prize for Literature and he is generally considered to be one of the most important writers in post-war Europe. His work often examines how communist ideology affects people's lives and how people's everyday actions contribute to or resist those changes. Skvorecky was also an active member of Charter 77, an organization that protested totalitarianism in Eastern Europe by demanding human rights that were granted only with difficulty after 1989.

The Influence of Czech Literature on Modern Culture & Art

Czech literature has had a major influence on modern culture and art. It has shaped the way we view the world and how we express our ideas. Czech literature is renowned for its unique style, which combines elements of realism, fantasy, and surrealism. This combination of elements has had a profound impact on modern art and culture, as it allows for new ways of expressing ideas and emotions. Czech literature is also known for its exploration of themes such as love, loss, identity, and morality. Through these themes, Czech literature has been able to provide insights into the complexities of modern society.

Exploring the Themes & Genres Found in Czech Literature

Czech literature is a rich and varied body of work that has evolved over centuries. It is known for its realism, which often reflects the history, culture and everyday life of the Czech people. It also includes a wide range of themes and genres, from stories about love and nature to political satire and philosophical musings. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular themes and genres found in Czech literature. We will look at how these themes have been used to tell stories throughout its history, as well as how they continue to influence modern writers today.

How to Find & Read Classic & Modern Czech Literature

Reading Czech literature is a great way to understand the culture and history of the Czech Republic. Whether you are looking for classic or modern works, there are plenty of resources available to help you find and read Czech literature. From online libraries to bookstores, there are plenty of ways to access both classic and modern works from the Czech Republic. Additionally, understanding the history of Czech literature can help you gain a deeper appreciation for both classic and modern works. With this knowledge, you can better understand the cultural context in which these works were created.

A good place to start is with a basic reading list. Here are three resources to help you find Czech literature:

 

1. The History of Czech Literature: From the Middle Ages to the present day, compiled by Jana Burešová and installed by Anna Fárová.

2. BBC Culture: Four key novels that changed European literature; Franz Kafka, Jaroslav Hašek, Milan Kundera, Bohumil Hrabal

3. A Millennium of Czech Literature : The Bohemian Lands and their Writers, edited by Peter Kussi.

You can also start a discussion on the topic of literature in our forums – click here.

Finally, I would like to read your suggestions on the authors/books which you feel are worth to discuss.

Great reading,

Martin (OLS Community Manager)