Matthias Tanner was born on 28 February 1630 in Plzeň, Bohemia.
The greatest part of his life was spent at Prague, where he taught humanities, philosophy, theology, and Scripture, was made rector of the imperial university, and guided for six years the Bohemian province of his order.
Tanner frequently retold the stories of prominent Jesuits, hoping to inspire other members of his order to imitate them.
He was also known for his extreme reverence while celebrating Mass; his biographer describes the sight attracting crowds to the altar.
Tanner wrote two Jesuit hagiographies: His other works include: This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed.