František Bílek and a Book

In eight chapters, the book presents all the book artworks by František Bílek from 1898–1941. This important Czech Symbolist sculptor, known for his art pieces Moses, The Blindmen, Wonder, The Meaning of the Word Madonna and many others, transmitted his personal vision of a spiritual art into his works in books. In his own texts and cycle of graphic arts – Our Father, The Construction of the Future Temple in Us, Journey and the Mystic Tract – he introduced and explained his spiritual journey. Bílek worked together with the society Katolická moderna (Catholic Modernism), with Jakub Deml for whom he provided graphic arts for Miriam, Slavík sv. Bonaventury (The Nightingale of St. Bonaventura)  and other books. He published and provided drawings for a collection of poetry by Otokar Březina, Ruce (Hands), to name just one of the many books Bílek did for the poet. For Julius Zeyer and his Román o věrném přátelství Amise a Amila (The Novel about the Faithful Friendship of Amis and Amil) Bílek created four paintings on board. He illustrated books for many other authors. This book also focuses on the art of bookbinding – relievo, parchment and full leather. Bílek’s designs for the bindings are to be found here as well, the most interesting are the individual bindings cut in leather. The book ends with a chronological list of all the books designed and laid-out by František Bílek. It includes extensive photographic documentation.