PREFACE

vii

I can only express my conscientious belief that I have delineated these religious controversies in accordance with the writings of the most accredited authorities. I have only been able to allude incidentally to some of the materials that I have used while writing this book. I have, however, principally relied on a prolonged study of the works of the Bohemian writers with whom my work It is at least the privilege of a critic of so little deals. known a literature as that of Bohemia that he is not confronted by an enormous amount of anciently accuIn one or two cases where I felt mulated criticism. uncertain, I have had the privilege of receiving advice from Professor Josef Kalousek, of the Bohemian University of Prague, and from Mr. Adolphus Patera, headlibrarian of the Bohemian Museum in that town. I have entirely limited my remarks to the works of those Bohemian writers who have general interest, or are at least characteristic of their time. Very many names contained in the histories of Bohemian literature written in the national language have therefore been omitted.

lOtzow.

Zamfach, New Year's Day,

1899.