Karel Čapek
Biography
Karel Čapek (1890–1938) was a Czech writer, playwright, and journalist, one of the most important literary figures of 20th-century Central Europe. Born in Malé Svatoňovice, Bohemia, he studied philosophy in Prague, Berlin, and Paris. He is best known for the play R.U.R. (1920), which introduced the word "robot" to the world, and for the novel War with the Newts (1936), a satirical allegory of fascism. Čapek was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature seven times. A committed democrat and anti-fascist, he died shortly before the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. His brother Josef, an artist and frequent collaborator, died in Bergen-Belsen.
Common themes in Karel Čapek's work
Czech literature
A recurring theme throughout Karel Čapek's writing.
Science fiction
A recurring theme throughout Karel Čapek's writing.
The word robot
A recurring theme throughout Karel Čapek's writing.
Anti-fascism
A recurring theme throughout Karel Čapek's writing.
Books
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Why Karel Čapek is still read today
Čapek invented the word "robot" and pioneered science fiction as a vehicle for political and philosophical commentary. His anti-fascist satires feel urgently relevant in any era of rising authoritarianism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Karel Čapek?
Karel Čapek (1890–1938) was a Czech playwright and novelist who invented the word “robot” in his play R.U.R. and wrote anti-fascist satires.
What are his major works?
R.U.R., The Absolute at Large, and War with the Newts. Several are available free on TextStack.
Did he really invent the word robot?
Yes, the word “robot” (from Czech “robota,” meaning forced labor) first appeared in his 1920 play R.U.R.
Where can I read Čapek free?
TextStack offers Čapek’s works to read free online.
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