Prague writer and humorist Jaroslav Hasek became internationally known for the novel Osudy dobrého vojáka Svejka za svetové války (1921-1923; translated and expurgated as The Good Soldier: Schweik , 1930; also translated as The Good Soldier Svejk and His Fortunes in the World War, 1973). He was also the author of approximately 1,500 stories, sketches, and newspaper columns; in addition, he wrote plays for cabarets. Hasek took his subjects directly from his own life and experiences. His work was closely linked to his unconventional lifestyle, which became the subject of many stories and legends that Hasek himself helped to create. In his best works the spontaneity of his storytelling and overall ironic detachment indicate his belief in unpretentiousness and tolerance. His original practical jokes became a timeless metaphor for a world full of absurdities and misunderstandings.

Jaroslav Matej Frantisek Hasek was born on 30 April 1883 in...