The Library of Karásek Gallery and Its Worlds

Jiří Karásek of Lvovic (1871–1951), was a poet and major representative of the Czech Decadent movement, but he was also famous for his collection of fine art. The Library of Karásek Gallery and Its Worlds portrays him as an unusual collector of books and as the founder of an extraordinarily diverse and valuable library. The history of the library and selected segments of its collection are described in the book’s five essays. The book was conceived and written by researchers at the Museum of Czech Literature, and all the chapters are accompanied by documentary photographs, including some unique historical shots (discovered shortly before the publication of this innovative study) of the original interior of the library and views of Karásek’s Gallery. The opening essay by Karel Kolařík considers the library in its context as the poet’s private library. Petra Kovařík and Rumjana Dačeva examine the exhibition and auction catalogues that figure importantly in the collection. Jan Kašpar analyses the collection of Nazi and anti-Semitic artefacts in the library, and Alena Petruželková discusses Karásek’s book collecting activities and situates the library’s collection in the context of the history of book culture. The publication concludes with a list of references, an index of names, and an English summary.