Almanach na rok 1914, czyli kłopoty z czeskim futuryzmem

In previous writings on Czech literature of the 20th century, Futurism has usually only been mentioned in passing, as if it were a shameful matter. At best, it is spoken of as a Futurist episode or as a momentary fascination for a small group of Czech poets and writers. The statements of the leading representatives of the Almanach na rok 1914 (Almanac for the year 1914) generation show, however, that in the period from 1912–1914 the ideas of the Italian Futurists were the most important source of inspiration for many Czech artists. This conception of art and poetry clearly influenced them. This article recalls the relationships to the programme of Italian Futurism which can be found in the works of S. K. Neumann, K. Capek, J. Capek, O. Theer and V. Hofman. It also indicates the three reasons why Czech writers finally disowned Marinetti’s influence and came to the conclusion that the whole concept of Futurism was inappropriate. This happened because the artists gathered around Almanac for the year 1914: (1) did not want to be identified with only one artistic trend; (2) did not accept some of the Futurist projects for the reform of the language of poetry; and (3) could not admit to Futurism because the whole trend was considered anti-Austrian.