Praha středověká – Royt Jan (2019)

This Czech-language book traces Prague’s development from its beginnings under the first Přemyslid rulers at the end of the ninth century to its medieval peak under Charles IV, the Luxembourg emperor and king. Drawing on detailed knowledge of Czech medieval culture, Jan Royt presents the historical development and stylistic changes of architecture and visual art from the Romanesque period to the High Gothic era, when the city’s political importance extended far beyond its medieval walls. The opening sections examine the Romanesque and early Gothic transformation of Prague Castle and Vyšehrad, as well as the formation of Prague’s urban structure under the Přemyslids. The book then discusses the Luxembourg dynasty’s patronage, especially that of Charles IV, focusing on the construction of St Vitus Cathedral, the development of Vyšehrad, the founding of Prague’s New Town and the establishment of the university. It also assesses Wenceslas IV’s patronage, with emphasis on the International Gothic style. Church reform efforts associated with Prague and figures including Konrad Waldhauser, Jan Milíč of Kroměříž, Jan Hus and Geert Groot are considered in their historical context. The introductory essay includes documentary illustrations, while the book also contains a list of rulers and notable figures, maps with a location index, and photographs of historic monuments by Jan Gloc.