Bohuslav Balbín

Balbín was born in Hradec Králové into a middle class Roman Catholic family.

After finishing studies in philosophy at University of Olomouc, he taught in Jesuit colleges in Prague, Třeboň, Brno, Jičín, Jindřichův Hradec and Český Krumlov.

After writing of several textbooks and didactic theatre plays, he also became acquainted with historical sources of archives and libraries.

His entire life was devoted to collecting and editing materials about Czech history, and his researches have often been utilized by the Bollandists.

His book Vita beatae Joannis Nepomuceni martyris (Life of Saint and martyr John of Nepomuk) was published in Prague, 1670, is in large part responsible for the developed legend of Saint John of Nepomuk.