Bohemian Section at the Austrian Exhibition, Earl's Court London 1906/The Language and Literature of Bohemia

by Cyrill Spal

THE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE OF BOHEMIA.

 

The Bohemian language is the crystalization of a great number of dialects; of which, influenced by political conditions that spoken in Bohemia by the ruling division of the slavonic race, is the one that generally prevails.

The language as it is spoken at the present time, must be divided into three groups: 1st, that used throughout the Kingdom of Bohemia, 2nd that of Moravia and 3rd, the dialect spoken by the Slovaks of Northeastern Hungary. The literary form of the language is that of Prague, but in course of time it has undergone numerous changes so that it does not agree with any special dialect, but stands as the most cultivated example of the language spoken by any of the slavonic family.

There are three epochs recognised in the literary history of Bohemia. Beginning with the old, from the first written documents, to the works of John Huss (1410)-next, on to the reign of Joseph II. (1774), then to the modern, from the end of the eighteenth century until the present time.

The ancient folk-lore, traditions, lyric and epic verse, with the fables and sayings, must be considered as the first fruits of the Bohemian literary tree, these were reproduced in some later chronicles and other written documents, the originals unfortunately have not been preserved.

By the more general adoption of the art of writing and by the mighty regenerative movement caused by the acceptance of the Christian faith, a great development of literature was inaugurated. The scriptures were translated, hymns composed, and the saintly legends written.

The pious meditative spirit expressed itself in the composition of religous romance and descriptions of the passion. It is to be regretted that even of this period (9th to 14th century), only a few of the original manuscripts have been preserved.

The influence of foreign intercourse soon showed itself in the poetry of the period. The best examples of this literary form, are to be found in the works of Smil Flaška z Pardubic, whose fables, allegories and satires are well known. Of lyric poetry generally, there is of this time, but little to show. On the other hand chronicles and works of an historical kind, are a prominent feature of this time. The most ancient is by Kosmas (1045—1125), who is called the father of Bohemian history.

The great immigration of Germans into Bohemia under the last kings of the Přemysl dynasty, caused the awakening of a strong national feeling. One of the fruits of this movement is a chronicle called „Dalimil’s“, written in Bohemian at the beginning of the fourteenth century, it is full of patriotic feeling and love of country. Other writers of historical works about this period, were Beneš Krabice z Weitmile (d. 1375), Vavřinec z Březové, the old Lord of Rožmberk, who wrote for the most part on the subject of law (d. 1347) and Ondřej z Dubé (d. 1412).

The decline of morals in the Roman church caused an unprecedented agitation throughout the country and a strong desire for reform was manifested by the people. The depravity of the clergy was attacked vigourously by pen and sermon by such men as Konrad Waldhauser, J. Milič, Matěj z Janova (d. 1394), and Tomáš ze Štítného who was the first to write in Bohemian on moral philosophy. This great movement culminated in the appearance of Mag. Jan Hus (1369—1415), who became the recognised leader in the great moral revolution. The earnest desire of the reformers 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 evidenced by the works by Vilém Slavata (1572—1652), Balbín Bohuslav (1621—88) and Gel. Dobner (1719—90), historical writings maintained a high level of excellence notwithstanding the distracting nature of the time. On other directions the literary decay seemed so complete, that even eminent Bohemian scholars began to fear that the nation and its language would be extinguished.

A mighty impulse was necessary to awaken the people from their lethargy, and this came from two sources. First, from the West consequent on the French revolution which aroused the self-conscientiousness of the nation, and secondly from within through the oppression of the germanising efforts of the government which caused a powerful reaction. The leader of this new movement was an eminent student of slavonic languages Josef Dobrovský (1753—1829) and next to him the historian F. M. Pelcl (1734—1801). Another who rendered much assistance was the popular writer V. M. Kramerius (1759—1808) and many other authors.

The poetry of this time was absolutely the expression of the aim and aspirations of the writers,, who with patriotic zeal and ardour were striving to raise the standard of literary excellence to a level worthy of the Bohemian nation.

Epic and lyrical poetry is represented by the works of A. J. Puchmajer (1769—1820), Šebest. Hněvkovský (1770—1847) and M. Z. Polák (1788—1856). Another generation of eminent men arose in F. L. Čelakovský (1799— 1852), J. Kollár (1793—1852) and K. J. Erben (1811—1870), whose poems have a well established pre-eminence.

The „Byronic“ style was introduced into Bohemian poetry by K. H. Mácha (1821—1856). The eminent Journalist Karel Havlíček showed up with biting satire, the frivolousness of society in this time.

Novels of high literary merit, written by Božena Němcová and J. K. Tyl (1808—56), and light entertaining works by F. J. Rubeš (1804—53), fairly represent the department of fiction. Most prominent as dramatists, stand the names of J. J. Kolár (1812—96), V. K. Klicpera (1792—1859), and J. K. Tyl.

After the eventful year of 1848, there were again marked signs of the influence of foreign thought and style 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. 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 have been made to issue from our press as frequently as possible all the best examples of English literary work, and in this way build up what we may reasonably style our „English library“. (Editor J. Otto—Prague.)

Bohemian scientific literature may be said only to have appeared for the first time in the 19th century, as proviously Bohemian savants published their works either in German or Latin. However, the nationalization of this branch of the work is progressing steadily. In the several departments of scientific writing, those who have made their mark and are recognised as authorities; are the following: Gel. Dobner who is called the father of Bohemian modern history, Fr. Palacký, Jos. Dobrovský, P. J. Šafařík, V. V. Tomek, J. Kalousek, H. Jireček, Jar. Goll, Jos. Emler and J. Pekař. The next group represent scholastic or as we may say, works of national culture. The names worthy of special mention are Č. Zíbrt, Zik. Winter, A. Sedláček, while in general historical work the name of A. V. Šembera is an honoured one. In the archeological division, the names of P. J. Šafařík, J. E. Vocel, J. Niederle and J. Píč are worthy of mention.

Bohemian philology as a recognised study owes much to the labours of Jos. Dobrovský, who might be called the pioneer in this field of labour, he was ably followed by P. J. Šafařík, Jos. Jungmann, M. Hattala and in later days the work has been carried on by J. Gebauer and J. Bartoš.

The history of literature has been dealt with in a worthy manner by J. Dobrovský, J. Jungmann, J. Vlček and V. Flajšhans, while that of natural history is represented by the works of J. Purkyně, Jos. Krejčí, Jan Palacký, Ant. Frič and Lad. Čelakovský. Geography has not been so assiduously cultivated as the other sciences, but in recent times good progress has been made thanks to the excellent work done by Jan Palacký, F. G. Studnička and V. Švambera.

In physics, the names most to be honoured by our brief reference are those of J. Zenger, Č. Strouhal and F. Koláček.

Metaphysics has an excellent representation in the highly cultivated works of A. Smetana, Ot. Hostinský, T. G. Masaryk, F. Drtina, Fr. Krejčí, while in the department of medicine and surgery we must refer to the names of B. Eiselt, E. Albert (Vienna), E. Maixner, Schöbl, Deyl, Thomayer, V. Maydl and J. Reinsberg. As eminent chemists we hawe pleasure in giving the names of J. Sv. Presl, Vojt. Šafařík, B. Raymann and B. Brauner.

In the science of Laws A. Randa, E. Ott, J. Pražák, A. Zucker, Boh. Rieger and Bráf have achieved great eminence.

 

JOURNALISM.

 

The influence of the Daily and Periodical press on the public life of Bohemia, is as great, far-reaching;—and we may add, beneficial in its effects as it has been in other countries which enjoy the stimulating light springing from the independant press of a freedom-loving people. The development of Journalism throughout the country has been extraordinarily rapid. Since 1882 when there were in Bohemia proper, only 145 newspapers, the number of them increased now more than three times, and the „signs of the times“ lead us to anticipate a continuous progress. It is a fact of most satisfactory kind, that the national thirst for knowledge grows; and it is to the press that all classes in Bohemia look to for the supply of their worthy requirements.

Now, we shall endeavour to give a brief sketch of the history of Journalism in Bohemia.

The title of Bohemia’s first newspaper was most appropriate, very short and to the point, „Noviny“, meaning „News“. It contained reports of the important events of a most exciting time, the progress of the Turkish wars furnishing it with plenty of thrilling matter to fill its columns. Another Journal was brought out in 1597, and published in Prague under the editorship of Daniel Sedlčanský, but the general disturbance caused by the Thirty Years war had a blighting effect upon this journalistic venture. In this, present-day journalism differs from that of olden time, great wars now-a-days,— death-dealing though they be, give life and strength to the modern newspaper with its staff of brilliant war correspondents.

Another attempt was made with but moderate results at the close of the seventeenth century, and it was not until 1719 that a great success was achieved in bringing out a paper called

 

„OUTERNÍ A SOBOTNÍ PRAŽSKÉ“ poštovní noviny or „THE PRAGUE POST NEWS“ published TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS.

 

This was under the able editorship of Karel Rosenmüller.

After its successful launch the Prague Post News continued a steady and prosperous course through changing times with a worthy succession of editors, under its original title until 1845, when the word „post“ was omitted and so the old paper became the „PRAGUE NEWS“.

The eventful year of 1848 had a great effect upon Bohemian journalism, with the dawn of liberty came Karel Havlíček whose name will ever rank amongst the most brilliant of press-men. His premature death, the end of a career of great promise, an ever-to-be regretted loss to his country, was no doubt accelerated by the cruel persecution to which he was subjected.

After the death of Havlíček, the press for a time was far from being in a flourishing condition, its leaders had a hard task in their battle against political reaction which threatened to crush the life out of any endeavours to promote a healthy development in the domain of journalism. This state of affairs lasted about ten years when a marked change for the better set in as a result of a liberal change in the constitutional laws which seemed to put new life into the people whose patriotic spirit required a strong ally,—such as can only be found in a fearless and independant press! The great alliance of people and press was proved to be a reality by the rapid increase in the number of newspaper and the expansion of their respective circulations.

In 1902. There were 752 Bohemian and Slovaks periodicals published, forty five of them issuing regular supplements.

The following is a list giving number of newspapers published in various parts of the world.

 

Bohemia		509 periodicals, 37 issuing regular supplements
Moravia		509128 periodicals,„ 347 issuing„ regular„ supplements„
Silesia		50918 periodicals,„ 34— issuing„ regular„ supplements„
Vienna		50910 periodicals,„ 34— issuing„ regular„ supplements„
The Slavonic part of Hungary	$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$	50928 periodicals,„ 342 issuing„ regular„ supplements„
Germany		5092 periodicals,„ 34— issuing„ regular„ supplements„
France		5091 periodicals,„ 34— issuing„ regular„ supplements„
America		50970 periodicals,„ 344 issuing„ regular„ supplements„

 

In this number there are 25 dailies, one of them in the german language but devoted to the interests of Bohemia in upholding its rights, liberties and privileges. Three are Social democratic, others represent the church, of course all religious bodies have their particular organ.

Prague publishes 9 dailies. America has 9 in the Bohemian language; Chicago alone has 4, the others are issued in Moravia, Silesia, Vienna and Slavonic Part of Northern Hungary.

As a matter of course the dailies published in Prague wield the greatest influence. The „Národní listy“, „Národní Politika“, „Politik“, „Hlas Národa“, have each two editions per day. The „Čas“ (Journal of the Realistic Party, much read by University Students), „Právo lidu“ (Social Democratic) the official, „Pražské noviny“. The „Čech“, and the illustrated „Pražský Kurýr“ have one edition daily. The paper claiming the largest circulation is the „Národní Politika“ which disposes of 200.000 copies on Sundays. This is the organ of the National Conservative party. Jugded by the comparatively rapid increase in the circulation of the Democratic socialistic and progressive journal, there is change coming over public opinion which shows itself in a growing preference for the progressive stamp of newspaper.

In addition to daily and other papers, there are more than 60 reviews. The principal are: „Naše doba“ (Realistic Rewiev-Generally considered the best), „Akademie“ (socialistic), „Aletheia“ (Roman Catholic Review), „Osvěta“ (conservative Review), „Slovanský přehled“ (Panslavistic Review), „Česká revue“, „Rozhledy“, „Pražská lidová revue“, (Very popular), „Moderní revue“ etc.

 

Art and science have their special journals, several can boast of a long period of success.

Illustrated reviews: „Zlatá Praha“, „Český Svět“, „Květy“, „Světozor“, „Besedy lidu“ (cheap popular magazines), atc.

Prague is the chief publishing centre for all high class works.

The leading book publishers are: J. Otto, J. R. Vilímek, J. Šimáček, Ed. Beaufort, F. Topič, B. Kočí, Hejda-Tuček, I. L. Kober, A. L. Hynek, R. Storch, Bursík-Kohout, Fr. Rivnáč, B. Stýblo, „Unie“ (Bohemian graphic Co.), J. Pelcl, Dr. Bačkovský, Alois Wiesner, A. Píša.

Encyclopaedias and Dictionaries: OttůvSlovník Naučný (J. Otto’s Encyclopaedia), Malý Ottův Slovník Naučný (Publisher: J. Otto-Prague.)

A. Jungs': Dictionary of English and Bohemian Languages. (Publisher; J. Otto-Prague).

 

Cyrill Spal.

 

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