Wenceslaus Hajek

Václav Hájek z Libočan, also Wenzeslaus Hagacius ( Hagek ) of Libotschan, Wenceslai Hagecii, Wenceslai Hagek of Liboczan, († March 18, 1553 in Prague) was a Bohemian chronicler and author of a chronicle of the history of Bohemia.

Life

Wenzel Hagek ( Hajek ) of Libotschan came from a small needle from Libotschan in the Saaz district. In 1520 he became pastor in Kosteletz an der Eger in Budin on the Eger, a year later a chaplain in Slonitz. First trailer of Czech Brethren, he converted to Catholicism in 1521. In 1524 he worked as a preacher at St. Thomas on the Lesser Town. From 1527 he was dean at the castle Karlstejn and pastor in Tetin. In May 1533 he was the royal official administrator of the collegiate chapter of St. Peter and Paul at Vyšehrad appointed. In 1544 he was promoted to Altbunzlau provost of collegiate chapter. A year later he fell into disgrace, was arrested for disobedience and died 1553 in Prague.

Chronicle

His extensive chronicle of Czech history covers the period from the arrival of the ancestors Čech in the year 644 until the coronation of Ferdinand I as king of Bohemia in the year in 1526. Though they belonged to the late 18th century to the standard works of the Czech historical narrative, contains it numerous inaccuracies, errors, misinterpretations and legends. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe extended his knowledge of the history of Bohemia with Hájek Chronicle. For a critique of Gelasius Dobner, which appeared in 1761-1782, Hájek lost chronicle important. The modern research it is considered again as a valuable historical source. However, not only for the period it describes, but also for the literary development of Czech literature that comes to life in their time of origin and illuminates the coexistence between Germans and Czechs in Bohemia.

Works

• Kronyka Czeská, Prague 1541 ( digitized version of the original)
• Wenceslai Hagecii of Libotschan, Bohemian Chronicle, the origin of Bohemia, of their Hertzogen and kings, counts and nobility Ankunfft, of knightly exercises and tournaments, from inside and foreign wars, of fortifications of the country and the cities: Ingleichen of exercise of idolatry and conversion to Christianity, erection of ancient churches, Bissthümer, Stiffter, and the High school. As also of Bergwercken and Saltzbrunnen, privileges and antiques, of good order, Muntz, Maas, weight, of strange clothes, natural wonders, land penalties, and what otherwise in spiritual and secular quarrels happened. Fritsch, Leipzig 1718 ( Digitized edition of the University and State Library Dusseldorf )
• Václav Hájek z Libočan: Bibliography at LITDOK East Central / Herder-Institut (Marburg)