Page:Bohemia's claim for freedom.djvu/44

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generation of eminent poets arose in F. L. Celakovsky, J. Kollar, and K. J. Erben (1811-1870), whose works have a well-established pre-eminence. Also, the eminent journalist Karel Havlicek showed us with biting satire the frivolousness of society in this time.

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, who first introduced the light style of the feuilleton.

One of the most productive poets of the new era and the most versatile is Jaroslav Vrchlicky, who brought poetic language to perfection, although in the order of merit he is closely approached by Svatopluk Czech. Then we have Jul. Zeyer, an excellent writer of the romantic school, and J. V. Sladek, to whose genius we owe the new translation of Shakespeare's works.

Historical tales and romances founded on Bohemian historical incidents are worthily represented by the works of V. Benes Trebizsky and Alois Jirasek.

Special reference is due to our translators. Most foreign classical works are to be had in the Bohemian language, and 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

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