Prominent Romani poet and translator Vlado Olah has died at the age of 64 following a prolonged illness.

Czech poet, dissident, musician and critic, Ivan Martin Jirous has died at 67 years old.

For readers who have facility with the Czech language, HOST has recently published an enjoyable anthology of the best Czech poems of 2010, a collection of poems gleaned from a number of books and journals. This 143 page anthology, expertly edited by Miloslav Topinka and Jakub Řehák, provides a cross section of contemporary Czech poetry.

One of the greatest poets of the twentieth century, Rainer Maria Rilke, was born in Prague December 4, 1875. Rilke grew up at Jindrisska 19, just off Wenceslas Square. To commemorate the anniversary of the poet’s birth, Colophon presents two early Prague poems written by Rilke, translated by Prague-based poet Anne Brechin.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great Czech Romantic poet Karel Hynek Macha. The event is being celebrated with a series of concerts, exhibitions, performances and book launches which will take place throughout the year. Especially notable is the release of a new edition of Macha’s poem in English translation, published by Twisted Spoon Press.