Karel Hynek Mácha was a Czech poet, writer, and playwright born on April 16, 1810, in Prague. He is best known for his romantic poetry and his novel, Máj, which is considered a cornerstone of Czech literature. Mácha's work often explores themes of love, nature, and existential longing, reflecting the Romantic movement's influence in Europe. Mácha's life was relatively short; he died at the age of 26 on November 6, 1836. Despite his brief career, his contributions to literature have had a lasting impact on Czech culture. Today, he is celebrated as one of the most important figures in Czech literary history.