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A HISTORY OF BOHEMIAN
LITERATURE
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wife died in 1597 — probably confirmed him in his decision, and he started from Pilsen in April 1598 on his long and perilous journey, accompanied by his friend Herman Cernin, Lord of Chudenic, and only one servant. Harant's account of this journey, published as Christopher Haranfs Journey to Venice, and thence to the Holy Land and to Egypt^ has assured to the author a not inconsiderable place in the annals of Bohemian literature. Harant undoubtedly possessed the gift of observation to an unusual extent, and his descriptions of the scenery he viewed and the men he met are often very vivid. Though the book is generally written in a grave and somewhat pedantic manner, yet some passages show that Harant was by no means devoid of humour. The work has, however, the fault of being somewhat longwinded, and Harant is too fond of lengthy historical digressions, introduced for the purpose of exhibiting his learning. This is particularly true of the part of the He book which deals with Harant's visit to Egypt. here introduces a lengthy treatise on the early dynasties of course, valueless from of Egyptian rulers, which the point of view of modern research. Harant was very fond, almost too fond, of quoting yet his quotations, chosen from many writers in various languages, are often quaint and amusing, and remind the reader On the whole, Harant's work one of of Montaigne. those ancient Bohemian books that can still be read with amusement as well as interest. From Pilsen, Harant and his companions travelled through Tyrol to Venice, where they stayed some time. The indefatigable Harant studied not only the monuments, but also the constitution of Venice, which he Edited and published by Dr. Erben in
1854 and 1855.
