Jiří Martínek--Geograf a cestovatel Jiří Daneš [Geographer and Traveller Jiří Daneš] Praha, 2017.

Abstract

Jiří Viktor Daneš (1880–1928) was an outstanding character of his time accomplished in multiple fields. He was an internationally respected geographer, a diplomat, author, a globetrotter and collector. His remarkable life story is sadly mostly forgotten and unknown to the general public. The new publication by Jiří Martínek Geograf a cestoval Jiří Daneš [Geographer and Traveller Jiří Daneš] aims to reintroduce this extraordinary figure by filling in the blank space of the Czech historiography, as stated by the author (p. 225). The book is commenced with a short essay on the genre of biography and its role in the field of historiography; methodology and goals of the publication are also introduced. The core of the book is a chapter on the life of J. V. Daneš, for the sake of clarity divided into multiple sub-chapters. The author analyses the family relations in detail, no possible thread of information was omitted, but on the contrary fully exploited to offer a comprehensive insight into the family and social background that no doubt played a crucial role in the forming of Daneš’s personality. The text proceeds from his early years, through education, towards pursuing scientific career in geography and many accompanying activities, to the tragic accident that led to his untimely death. His legacy, including Daneš’s trust, as well as the life of the widow, Božena Danešová, are also discussed. Special chapters are dedicated to Daneš’s scientific work and to his political worldview. The book is concluded with a summary, appendices and an English résumé. The publication not only tells the life story of a significant personality. The author makes every effort to portrait J. V. Daneš as a real person, with a complex character and strong opinions, many interests and, naturally, some flaws. Some data and information are repeated multiple times across the chapters. This is not only a useful aid to the reader’s memory and orientation within Daneš’s eventful life; it also makes the book functional and resourceful within its individual parts, not only as a whole. The publication prides itself in meticulous citations and footnotes, and an extensive bibliography. The author thoroughly studied all available resources, including the National Archives of Australia, and followed all leads that could contribute some to the grand mosaic. Appendices contain the complete bibliography of J. V. Daneš; list of his