Karel Capek

Karel Čapek (1890–1938) was a Czech writer, journalist, dramaturg, and director. He studied philosophy in Prague, Berlin, and Paris. His versatile body of work includes novels, short stories, essays, travel writing, fairy tales, and plays. His drama R.U.R. was first performed in 1920; it was followed by works including the novel War with the Newts and other utopian and socially critical writings. Čapek warned early against fascism and nationalism. He died of pneumonia in Prague in 1938.