The Czechoslovak Review/Volume 2/Acquainting America with Bohemia

ACQUAINTING AMERICA WITH BOHEMIA

 

We are so intent on convincing America of the justice of the political demands of the Bohemian people that we run into the error of using only political arguments. They are the strongest and the most obvious, but we have others that should not be neglected. We can make friends for Bohemia by telling our American fellow-citizens of the art, culture, music and literature of Bohemia.

Two such attempts have been made recently, with considerable success. On November 14th a Bohemian Day was held at the University of Chicago. It was preceded by a two-day exhibit of Bohemian art and books. The evening itself was made enjoyable by splendid rendering of Bohemian music by Bohemian vocal and instrumental artists. The second occasion was an exhibit of embroidery and needlework at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on December 9th and during the following week. Representatives of the Museum and of the New York Czechs and Slovaks gave addresses on the art of the Slavs.

Upon the occasion of the Bohemian Day at the University of Chicago a booklet was issued presenting briefly in sixty pages Bohemia’s contribution to civilization. It is got up in a very attractive manner with a colored title page and several beautiful illustrations. Prof. Zmrhal discusses Bohemia’s Contribution to Literature. Dr. Vojan writes on Bohemian Music. Vojta Beneš tells of the Bohemian Art and Dr. Fisher sets forth the ideals of the Sokols. The booklet is particularly appropriate for presentation to American friends of Bohemia. Copies may be obtained from the Bohemian National Alliance, 3639 West Twenty-sixth street, Chicago. Price, 50 cents.