Petr Hudec’s new book was published at the end of June The Legend of the Dream. It recounts the dramatic events of 1421, when the Velehrad Monastery was burned down by the Moravian Hussites on January 12. How was it possible that most of the monks managed to escape?

The main character is Brother Fortunát—a thoughtful monk who is constantly cold. Although his name means “the lucky one,” he’s actually rather unlucky. Can he still be of use to the other monks? And how does one attain the wisdom of the heart? At the same time, readers get to know the medieval monastery of Velehrad and the daily lives of its monks.

 

The beautiful illustrations by Japanese artist Nanako Ishida, who lives permanently in Prague, contribute to the book’s unique atmosphere. Her work combines the minimalist expressiveness and dynamism of Japanese calligraphy with the aesthetics of medieval book illumination and the tradition of Central European graphic art.

 

The book was unveiled on June 26, 2026, as part of the opening of an exhibition of his illustrations at the “Cyrilka” Church in Velehrad. This small church originally served as a chapel in front of the monastery gate. The exhibition is open daily through the end of September.

 

Photo credit: František Ingr / clovekavira.cz