Jan Hus and reference books in the Czech language

We feature in this issue an article on the 600th anniversary of the death of Jan Hus on July 6th 1415. He was Europe’s first and most important church reformer and philosopher, Jan Hus. Medievalist Professor František Šmahel at the Institute of History, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), focuses on the Catholic priest’s role in the inception of reference books in the Czech language.
“Jan Hus - a New Age European” is a national joint effort by the Jan Hus 600 interest group coordinating special events throughout the country.
“We regard Jan Hus as an important character throughout Europe,“ said Petr Hušek, senior manager of the national celebration. Hus denounced abuses of the church at Bethlehem Chapel where he preached for several years. The Czech Academy of Sciences is also participating in this historic anniversary.