Karel Jaromír Erben, Czech historian, lawyer, archivist, today primarily known as a poet and writer, folklorist and translator, was born on 7^th November 1811 in Miletín near Hořice (in the area close to the Giant Mountains).

Having completed his studies at a grammar school in Hradec Králové he continued at the Law Faculty in  Prague. He was then employed by the Royal Czech Science Society and later worked as a secretary of the Czech Museum. From 1851 he was engaged as a keeper of the Archives of the city of Prague and in 1864 was appointed director of auxiliary Prague offices.

During studies, Erben was in touch with Czech poet Karel Hynek Mácha. Later on he met František Palacký, a historian turned politician, with whom he cooperated until the end of his life and whose political opinions seriously influenced him.
Erben is primarily known as a collector of folk poems. Like brothers Grimm he sought in folk poetic art the reflection of ancient religious myths, which were covered and hidden over the ages by folk interpretations and traditions. Erben’s collector activities resulted in three volumes of national Bohemian songs “Písně národní v Čechách“ (1842–1845); in 1864 they were reedited under another title “Prostonárodní české písně a říkadla“.
Most of all, however, Karel Jaromír Erben was renowned for his own writings – both in verses and prose. His only book of verses Kytice (translated as The Bouquet) was first published in 1853, the second expanded edition appeared in 1861. The core of the book is formed by twelve poems in the “National Legends“ section and the introductory poem The Bouquet.

The obverse side features the effigy of the writer and his name in circumscription "KAREL JAROMÍR ERBEN 1811–2011  Au 999,9", as well as the mint mark and the author’s mark.
On the reverse side, selected pictures reminiscing images from The Bouquet – like The Treasure, Wedding Gown, Lady Midday (i.e. a Noon Demon), Wassermann (a male water spirit) are modelled to form the shape of a stylized flower. Text in circumscription reads "KYTICE Z POVĚSTÍ NÁRODNÍCH Au 999,9  1/2 Oz".

Limited edition: 200 pcs, numbered.