Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/159

133 on the literature of Bohemia. The best exponent of this modern form unquestionably was Jan Neruda (1834—91) who first introduced the light style of the feuilleton, next followed Vít. Hálek (1835—74), and somewhat later Ad. Hejduk (b. 1835). One of the most productive poets of the new era and the most versatile is Jaroslav Vrchlický (b. 1853) who brought poetic language to perfection, although in the order of merit he is closely approached by Svatopluk Čech (b. 1846). Then we have Jul. Zeyer an excellent writer of the romantic school. J. V. Sládek to whose genius we owe the new translation of Shakespeare’s works, and El. Krásnohorská, K. Leger, L. Quis, J. Kvapil, B. Kaminský etc.

Social problems are dealt with in the poems of J. S. Machar. Next, we have A. Sova, V. Dyk who is of the modern school, followed by J. Holý, F. Sekanina, St. Neumann, Bezruč and others.

Amongst the many authors of novels and modern romantic tales whose names are worthy of mention are K. Světlá and Jakub Arbes who with Gustav Pfleger introduced the class of novel ilustrative of social questions. Then come M. A. Šimáček, Ig. Hermann, S. Heller, J. R. Kronbauer, K. Klostermann, J. Laichter etc.

Tales and romances founded on Bohemian historical incidents are worthily represented by the works of V. Beneš Třebízský and Alois Jirásek.

Dramatic works have not yet attained the high standard reached by the other departments of literary work but the writings of F. V. Jeřábek, E. Bozděch, F. A. Šubert, L. Stroupežnický, A. Jirásek, F. X. Svoboda, R.B. [sic] Viková-Kunětická, Jar. Kvapil, J. Vrchlický, J. Hilbert, Šimáček and other present day playwrights are of considerable merit.

Special reference is due to our translators, most foreign classical works are to be had in the Bohemian language, many of the translations exhibit all the signs of conscientious and patient labour, this is especially evident in the series of Shakespearian plays which are well calculated to attract and favourably impress Bohemian readers with the wide ranging genius of England's greatest dramatist and poet.

As proof of our high appreciation of English literature, it is with pleasure that we state, that special arrangements