Jan Opolský has long been considered to be little more than an epigon of the Czech Decadence. By detailed analysis of his prose, this book aims to show that Opolský is a master of sustained narrative irony and an accomplished writer in his own right. Introduction brings an overview of Czech Decadent/Symbolist literature and art in an European perspective. The first monograph evaluates archival sources, private correspondence with other literary figures and includes classified bibliography of Opolský.

Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations

Introduction
1. Biography
2. Introduction to the oeuvre
3. Critical opinion on the prose oeuvre
4. Irony
5. Introduction to the readings
6. Poledne
7. Pláč Nioby
8. Rubensova Zahrada lásky
9. Čínská povídka
10. Zrada
11. Conclusion

Appendix
Classified Bibliography