Antonín Přidal — Czech translator, writer, journalist and university lecturer

Antonín Přidal (13 October 1935 – 7 February 2017) was a Czech literary translator, author and journalist. Over a career spanning several decades he helped introduce anglophone, francophone and hispanophone literature to Czech readers. He combined a public-facing career in journalism with teaching at higher-education institutions and a steady output of translations and original prose.

Early life and background
Born in Prostějov, then part of Czechoslovakia, Přidal came of age during a period of intense cultural change in Central Europe. He trained in language and literature and developed a broad interest in foreign writing, which he later brought into Czech literary life through translation and commentary. His work reflects both deep linguistic skill and sensitivity to cultural nuance.

Career and translation work
Přidal translated from English, Spanish and French into Czech. His translations included literary prose, drama and shorter forms; reviewers and colleagues noted his ability to render idiomatic and natural Czech while preserving the tone of the original. In addition to translation, he worked as a journalist and contributed essays and criticism on literature and culture. He combined practical publishing work with academic responsibilities, mentoring younger translators and writers.

Academic role
From 1991 he was associated with the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts, where he taught and supervised students in translation and related disciplines. His teaching emphasized close reading, cultural context and the challenges of transferring voice across languages. Information about the academy and its programs can be found at Janáček Academy.