Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/157

131 formers for the restoration of purity in the church, is fully expressed in the copious theological literature of the time contributed to by Huss and after him amongst many others, Petr Chelčický (d. 1460) who was the spiritual founder of the later „Jednota bratrská“ (Unity of the Brethern) who were the embodiment of the reforming spirit.

Other branches of literature were in anything but a flourishing condition, poetry, apparently was infected by the bitterners of the troublous times and showed itself chiefly in the satirical form of verse.

The invention of the art of printing and the contemporaneous spread of the knowledge of classic literature, infused new life into the work and at the same time brought a change of style. One of the most prominent representatives of the new school is Bohuslav Hasištejnský z Lobkovic (1462—1510).

Moral poetical works were produced by Mikuláš Dačický z Heslova (1555—1626), Jan Blahoslav (1523—1571) the compositions of the latter were chiefly in the form of hymns.

Amongst those who excelled in latin verse, were Matouš Collinus (1516—1566) and Jan Hodějovský z Hodějova (1496—1566).

The science of law was expounded in eminent works by Viktorin Cornelius ze Všehrd (d. 1520), Daniel Adam z Veleslavína (1546-99), the latter achieved great fame in consequence of his efforts for the development of literature and the scientific purification of the language.

At this time one of the greatest monument of Bohemian literature was produced by the Unity of Brethern, in the form of a complete translation of the Bible.

History is well represented by Václav Hájek z Libočan (d. 1553), Sixt z Ottersdorfu (d. 1583) and others. There are several excellent dictionaries of this period.

The battle of the White Mountain was the forerunner of a rapid decline in literature. In consequence of the merciless persecution of all who refused to yield to the catholic church the best Bohemian families went into exile. The great teacher John Amos Comenius (1592—1671), was forced to leave his country, and in foreign lands he wrote in the interest of and for the Bohemian people. As is evi- *