Jan Valerián Jirsík (1798–1883) is generally considered to be a well-known figure of Czech history. He is renowned as a priest, theologian, active nationalist, supporter of the education system, pedagogue and, not insignificantly, the fourth bishop of ?eské Bud?jovice / Budweis (1851–1883) as well as a participant at the First Vatican Council (1869–1870). The intention of this book is a modern interpretation of the life and theological work of Jan Valerián Jirsík, not only in connection with the results of existing historical and theological research but especially in the context of socio-cultural changes within the Middle European area of his time.

Rudolf Svoboda is a member of the Department of Sciences of Theology at the Faculty of Theology, University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice (Budweis) and dean at the same institution. He specialises in the church history of the 18th and 19th centuries, with a focus on the Enlightenment, Josephinism and the history of churches and religious communities in South Bohemia.