JAN NERUDA
(1831–1891)
Jan Neruda, one of the most versatile of the Czech writers, was born in Praha, July 9, 1834 and died after a wasting illness on August 11, 1891. His work and importance may well be divided into two general divisions. The first part of Neruda’s literary activity was concerned with lyrical poetry, travel sketches and essays, while the latter part of his literary life was devoted to short stories, ballads and deeply rooted impressions of local color. Neruda had prepared originally for a pedogogic mission, but shortly left the school room for a permanent journalistic and literary career. His simplicity of form and depth of meaning, his sincere self-critical reflections have won for him a permanent place in the heart of generations of Czech readers. His outtsanding poetic works include “Graveyard Blossoms” (1858) “Cosmic Songs” (1878) “Simple Motives” (1883) “Friday Songs” (Posthumous Publication) and many other collections.
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