Karel ?apek

Karel ?apek was born on January 9th, 1890 in the northwest part of Bohemia (Czech Republic) in the small town of Malë Svato?ovice. He was a prolific and talented writer who worked throughout his life as a novelist, a journalist, playwright, writer of childrensĚ literature, and travelogue. ?apek was very close with his brother Josef, and the two brothers co-wrote many books and plays under the name ?apek Brothers. Since their childhood both ?apek brothers were influenced by Czech writers and folklorists such as K.J. Erben. ?apek suffered from a disease akin to severe arthritis that caused him severe pain. He was relieved of military duty during World War I, but he always advanced Czech ideals in his writing. He was active in politics during his later life and was a close friend with T. G. Masaryk. In addition to his literary career Capek was interested in gardening, travel, and photography and each of his interests influenced his writing. In 1920 ?apek met his future wife, Olga Scheinplungov?, an actress. Due to ?apekĚs health they did not marry until 1935, only three years before his death. In the years before World War II ?apek actively warned the Czech public against Nazi Germany. He also actively sought the support of foreign nations. Unfortunately both ?apek and his brother died prematurely. ?apek died after a week of illness on December 25, 1938 and so was perhaps spared the persecution of the Nazis. His brother Josef died in the concentration camp Bergen-Belson in 1945, shortly before the war ended.