The Life and Work of Jan Hus and His Followers in the Scientific Achievements of the Famous Czech Medievalist Vaclav Novotny

The article analyzes the scientific heritage of the famous Czech historian – medievalist of the positivist orientation, Professor of Prague University Vaclav Novotny (1869–1932). In his numerous studios V. Novotny paid the greatest attention to the study of the Hussite movement, study of the life and work of Jan Hus and his followers. V. Novotny’s scientific works on the outlined issues were based on in-depth analysis of sources, and thorough knowledge of professional literature, as well as they were noted by honesty in the search for the truth of the fact. After the proclamation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, V. Novotny canonized the significance of the Hussite traditions in the historical consciousness of his people. The achievements of the scientist in the field of Hussitology was evaluated in the historiography ambiguously. And yet, V. Novotny’s research served as a basis for further study of life and work of Jan Hus and his time in the Czech historical science.