of his native district during the period of the nation’s downfall. His best known collections are the “Small Town Tales,” “In Stormy Days,” “Short Stories and Sketches,” “Homeward and Other Sketches,” and “From Diverse Ages.” A very popular collection of legends of local Czech origin is his “Staré pověsti České” (Old Czech Legends) published in 1894 and later issued in several editions. Another favorit collection for younger readers is his “From Bohemia to the End of the World.” Alois Jirásek has been the recipient of many honors from his countrymen in recent times, in recognition of his many and great contributions to literature and of his work in building up through his stalwart patriotism and opposition to lukewarmness and hypocrisy a sturdy uncompromising spirit in matters pertaining to the national welfare.
