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Josef Hiršal (1920,Chomutičky, Czechoslovakia – 2003, Prague, Czech Republic ) was a leading figure in Czech literature, known for his poetry, experimental writing, and extensive work as a translator. Born in Chomutičky, in what was then Czechoslovakia, he began his literary career with surrealist poetry and gradually established himself as an important voice in modern Czech letters. In the early years of his career, particularly during the 1950s, Hiršal often collaborated with fellow writer Jiří Kolář. Due to the political climate and censorship under the communist regime, he and Kolář turned their attention to writing for children during a time when their other work was restricted. By the 1960s, Hiršal became deeply involved in experimental literature, especially in partnership with writer and poet Bohumila Grögerová. Together, they explored the intersection of visual poetry, language, and structure, producing innovative works that pushed literary boundaries. In addition to their original writing, the duo translated over 180 works from German, French, and other languages into Czech. Their translations introduced Czech readers to influential international authors, including Christian Morgenstern, Ernst Jandl, Franz Kafka, Eugène Ionesco, Edgar Allan Poe, Fernando Pessoa, and many others. Hiršal also wrote prose, including the semi-autobiographical novel A Bohemian Youth, which reflects on life in the First Czechoslovak Republic through the lens of a young boy growing up in a rural village. His contributions to literature and translation earned him several accolades, including the Grand Austrian State Prize in 1989. Beyond his literary work, Hiršal was also politically active and was among the signatories of Charter 77, a declaration that criticized the Czechoslovak government’s human rights record. In May 2003, Hiršal suffered serious injuries in a tram accident in Prague and died later that year on September 15. His legacy lives on through his innovative poetic voice and the vast body of world literature he helped make accessible to Czech audiences.